The New York Rangers have announced that they have demoted forward to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. The decision comes as the Rangers continue to assess their roster and make adjustments ahead of the regular season’s final stretch.
The winger was initially recalled by the Rangers earlier in the season, making his NHL debut and earning a place in the lineup for a series of games. However, after some inconsistent performances and with roster moves being made to bolster the team’s depth, the decision was made to send him down to the AHL to continue his development and gain more playing time.
A native of East Providence, Rhode Island, Berard was drafted by the Rangers in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Known for his strong skating and playmaking ability, Berard made a significant impact at the collegiate level, playing for Providence College before turning pro. In his time with the Rangers, he showed flashes of his potential, but the transition from college hockey to the NHL can often present challenges, particularly for young forwards trying to find their rhythm in a league as competitive as the NHL.
The demotion to Hartford provides Berard an opportunity to refine his game in a less pressured environment while gaining valuable ice time. He will have the chance to work on his overall consistency, including his decision-making and ability to compete against AHL opponents, all while staying sharp for a potential future call-up.
For the Rangers, the move also creates some cap flexibility and gives the team the chance to evaluate their roster ahead of the playoff push. With the Rangers in a competitive race for a strong playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, coach Gerard Gallant and the front office will continue to make decisions that prioritize the team’s current needs while developing young talent for the future.
While Berard will continue to play for the Wolf Pack, he remains part of the Rangers’ long-term plans, and his time in the AHL could be an important step in his continued growth as a professional hockey player. Rangers fans will be keeping an eye on Berard’s development in Hartford, as his potential to contribute to the NHL team remains high.
For now, the focus shifts to the Rangers as they aim to maintain their momentum through the rest of the regular season, with the hope that Berard’s development will help bolster the team in the future.
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