The New York Rangers made additional roster adjustments Friday, recalling veteran forward Taylor Raddysh from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, while assigning Jaroslav Chmelar back to the AHL. This move followed the team’s 7-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center, during which Chmelar logged just 8:35 of ice time.
Raddysh, 27, has NHL experience spanning five seasons and 373 games, including 68 appearances with the Rangers last season. After clearing waivers, he began the 2026-27 campaign strong in Hartford, posting five points in five games, with a team-high three goals. During the 2025-26 season, he totaled nine goals and 19 points for the Rangers, earning some time in the top six and on the power play. His return is expected to provide additional veteran depth, particularly to the Rangers’ underutilized fourth line.
The Rangers’ fourth line has struggled to find consistent ice time this season following a lower-body injury to Joe Veleno, who is expected to miss roughly three months. Centers Cole Beaudoin and Justin Dowling were given opportunities in Veleno’s absence but saw limited minutes — Beaudoin averaged 8:47 over four games before returning to Hartford, while Dowling logged 7:41 in his recent appearance against the Devils. Veleno had previously averaged 11:37 of ice time and contributed on the penalty kill.
The diminished fourth line presence has led head coach Mike Sullivan to adapt his lineup, including shifting Oliver Bjorkstrand’s role. Originally placed in the top six, Bjorkstrand was moved to the fourth line to make room for Tye Kartye. Despite this, Bjorkstrand has shown offensive capability, scoring twice against the New York Islanders and assisting on a Pavel Dorofeyev goal in the season opener. He has also played on the second power-play unit.
Before Thursday’s game, Sullivan emphasized ongoing communication with Bjorkstrand regarding his role. “It’s going to play itself out. It’s a long season,” Sullivan said. “He’s a great kid. I think he understands it. I’m trying to communicate with him what my intentions are as the coach and how to try to best utilize him within the group of 12 forwards that we have in the lineup.” Sullivan praised Bjorkstrand’s offensive instincts and mobility and acknowledged his potential contributions to the team.
Chmelar, 23, who impressed during 28 games last season, earned a spot on the roster out of training camp ahead of Raddysh and has alternated with Matt Rempe on the fourth line’s right side this season. Unlike Rempe, who would have needed to clear waivers to be sent to Hartford, Chmelar remains waiver-exempt.
Defensively, the Rangers have been strong in setting up offense, ranking third in the NHL this season with 18 assists from defensemen. Adam Fox recently contributed one of those assists on Dorofeyev’s goal.
Notably, Bjorkstrand and Vladislav Gavrikov share a linked history as both were drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets (Bjorkstrand in 2013 and Gavrikov in 2015) and played together in Columbus for three seasons.