New York Rangers Recall Raphael Diaz From Hartford

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The New York Rangers have recalled defenseman Raphael Diaz from their AHL affiliate in Hartford.

The 30-year old Diaz, known as a puck-moving defenseman with a bit of offensive upside, could supplant Dylan McIlrath in the lineup for game three, which takes place on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Diaz has not played at the NHL level this season. In 37 AHL games, he netted six goals and 21 total points. He’s an efficient skater that can also play a role on the Rangers’ power play if needed.

In total, he has played 201 games in the NHL throughout his career, recording eight goals and 41 total points. Diaz has also appeared in 12 total postseason games since 2012. Those playoff appearances were with three different teams, beginning with the Montreal Canadiens in 2013, the New York Rangers in 2014 and the Calgary Flames in 2015.

Rangers’ head coach Alain Vigneault hasn’t tipped his hat to any sort of lineup decision just yet and it’s still unknown whether or not Dan Girardi could return. However, based on the recall of Diaz, it seems the Rangers’ coaching staff is at least pondering the idea of dressing him on Tuesday night.