Brett Berard Returns to the Rangers
Brett Berard has returned to the New York Rangers after being called up from their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, this past Sunday. The turnover comes at a critical time for the Rangers, who are currently grappling with injuries to key players, specifically J.T. Miller and possibly Vincent Trocheck.
Impact of Berard’s Call-Up
As the team prepares for their matchup against the St. Louis Blues on Monday night, Berard’s swift inclusion could be pivotal for their performance. Interestingly, just a week earlier, Berard had stated a focus on contributing to the Wolf Pack rather than on NHL aspirations. He mentioned:
“I’m here in Hartford, I’m here to help the team win, and I love the guys in the room. I love the coaches, so it’s been a blast coming to the rink every day.”
This mindset has evidently shifted, as the young forward now looks at this call-up as an exciting opportunity. He expressed:
“Being up here in the NHL is every kid’s dream, and it feels like the first day I got called up last year too. Just going out there playing a free mind.”
Berard’s Journey and Challenges
At 23 years old, Berard previously showcased his skills in 35 NHL games last season but faced disappointment as he was reassigned to the AHL post-training camp. Reflecting on the sting of not making the opening-night roster, he acknowledged that it affected his confidence, leading to a challenging start to the current season with the Wolf Pack, where he went goalless in his first 14 games.
“I kind of lost a little confidence there,”
he admitted, but he noted that this rough patch also tested his mental resilience. After gaining confidence over the last two weeks, he feels prepared to bring energy to the Rangers, a quality they desperately need as they’ve suffered four consecutive losses.
