Rangers' Morgan Barron knows time on roster could be expiring
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Morgan Barron #47 of the Rangers skates with the puck between Cam Atkinson #89 and Morgan Frost #48 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2022 in Philadelphia. Credit: Getty Images/Tim Nwachukwu
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Morgan Barron can see what’s happening with the Rangers.
Injuries and a bunch of guys going into COVID-19 protocol had forced them to bring up some reinforcements from Hartford to fill in on the just-completed road trip to Las Vegas, California and Philadelphia. Barron was one of those, and he and the other call-ups played well as the Rangers went 3-2 and moved into first place in the Metropolitan Division.
But now the Rangers are getting players back and the call-ups are giving way. Forward Anthony Greco, who played a strong game in his Rangers debut in Thursday’s 3-0 win over San Jose, was returned to Hartford on Sunday. Forwards Jonny Brodzinski and Tim Gettinger were moved off the roster to the taxi squad.
Barron remained on the active roster Monday and centered the fourth line in practice, but forward Dryden Hunt practiced and looked ready to come off injured reserve in time for Wednesday’s home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Forwards Barclay Goodrow and Alexis Lafreniere are eligible to exit COVID protocol in time for that game.
So Barron is well aware that his time on the roster could be expiring.
"That’s obviously how things work,’’ he said. "But it’s been such a crazy last couple of weeks, with guys coming in and out of the lineup, that I think this is the least I’ve been concerned about it. Now I just kind of show up to the rink and go out and practice. And however the chips fall, so be it.’’
Barron’s hope is that he’s made an impression on management and coach Gerard Gallant. He played the final four games on the trip and had an assist in the 4-1 win over Anaheim. In six games this season, he’s won 18 of 27 faceoffs (66.7%).
Gallant said he’s liked what he’s seen from Barron.
"He’s played really well, worked hard, doing everything we asked,’’ he said. "We’re not sure who we’re going to have for Wednesday yet, obviously, with Goodrow and Laffy. So we’ll wait and see and take it one day at a time. But [Barron] can play all three forward positions, so that makes him a valuable player for us.’’
Barron played the final five games at the end of last season when the Rangers were more or less playing out the string. Making the playoffs is a legitimate possibility this season, and Barron was asked where he can see himself fitting in on a team like that.
"I’m still trying to figure that out,’’ he said. "I’m feeling more and more comfortable with every game. So I feel like I can be a player who hopefully comes along for the run and can make a difference in those games late in the season and in the postseason.’’
Notes & quotes: Center Ryan Strome did not practice because of what the Rangers called "maintenance.’’
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