Rangers Recall Zac Jones & Brennan Othmann, Assign Matthew Robertson to Hartford

Zac Jones, who was sent to Hartford on a conditioning stint at the start of the weekend joins Brennan Othmann in his first call-up of the season as the two join the Rangers roster. Matthew Robertson, who was recalled in Jones' place, will be assigned back to the Wolf Pack as they'll take on the Springfield Thunderbirds this Friday.

It's good timing that the Rangers made this decision because I actually have an extended piece coming later this week regarding how the organization has handled (or mishandled) development in several different aspects this season. That very much pertains to guys like Zac Jones and Brennan Othmann but more on that later.

As for the transaction, it certainly makes sense for a number of reasons. Chris Kreider was a late healthy scratch on Sunday Afternoon and could end up missing some time. Per Vince Mercogliano who covers the team directly, this transaction is not trade related and comes as insurance in the event Kreider is unable to play tomorrow or later this week.

Othmann has been on fire for the Wolf Pack as of late with six points in his last five games. Two of those outings included two goal games, one of which where he netted the overtime winning goal against the Bridgeport Islanders.

As for Zac Jones, he only appeared in two games during his conditioning stint but is coming off a real strong game against the Providence Bruins where he picked up a goal and was an active presence in both ends of the ice.

Here's a clip of his goal that got Hartford on the board in what became an action-packed 6-5 win.

While it doesn't seem a trade is imminent with the Rangers, it will be interesting to see if Jones draws back into the lineup and who it would be in place of. As for Othmann, he has a greater chance of drawing with Kreider dealing with an upper-body injury. Either way, it doesn't make sense for these players to be called up just to sit in the press box. The question is, will the coaching staff finally bench some regulars or are there more injuries or uncertainties were unaware of. Time will tell!