Rangers believe Adam Edstrom has earned a longer look at NHL level

GREENBURGH — The equation was simple.

 Coach Peter Laviolette and the Rangers’ hockey operations department wanted to get a look at Adam Edstrom, who had earned a promotion due to his play at AHL Hartford.

So, now, Edstrom is a Ranger.

“He's a big, young, fast, strong player that we feel deserves a look in some games,” Laviolette said of the 23-year-old Edstrom after Wednesday’s 50-minute long practice at the MSG Training Center. “We're excited to get him going.”

Edstrom, who had eight goals and two assists in 25 games with the Wolf Pack this season, was called up with Matt Rempe. 

Edstrom dressed for Monday’s 2-0 win over the Flames and had three hits in 9:23 of ice time while skating on the fourth line with Barclay Goodrow and Jimmy Vesey.

“He played a pretty good game,” Laviolette said.

Edstrom remained with the Rangers while fourth-liner Tyler Pitlick was placed on waivers and Rempe was sent down in corresponding roster moves. Pitlick cleared waivers Wednesday afternoon.

Pitlick had one goal and three assists in 34 games while skating with Goodrow and Vesey.

“It was just a hockey decision,” Laviolette said, when asked about Pitlick. “We're only allowed so many players up here, so it was just a decision that was made.”

By promoting Edstrom the Rangers added size and youth from within the organization. The Swedish winger is 6’7 and 234 pounds. And he knows exactly what general manager Chris Drury and Laviolette expect from him.

“Just go out there and play my game,” Edstrom said. “I’m a big player. I like to play the body whenever I get the chance and just skate a lot, I guess. Just stick to my game and I’ll be fine. That’s pretty much what they told me.”

Still, by placing Edstrom with Goodrow and Vesey, Laviolette and the coaching staff are hoping the veterans can limit his learning curve.

“He’s played well when he’s been here,” Vesey said of Edstrom, who had been called up earlier in the season and scored his first career NHL goal in the Rangers’ 5-1 win over Anaheim at the Garden on Dec. 15.

“Big body that can skate really well. And I think when he has the puck, he uses his size to his advantage. So I think he’ll – with more games – get more confidence. I think he battled an injury at some point this year. So the more games he plays I think he’ll gain more confidence and show what he can do.”

After the game against the Ducks, Edstrom was sent down to Hartford and missed 12 games with an upper-body injury.

“It’s always tough getting injured, right?” Edstrom said. “No matter what point [in the season] it is but I got some really good help down there in Hartford and I’m just excited to be back.”