Rangers Bench Vet Over Prospect: Fans Question Decision

0:00This is Corey with NHL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The New York Rangers sit dead last in the Eastern Conference, far from playoff hopes, even after a recent overtime loss and shootout win post-Olympic. Break With nothing to play for, the team should prioritize young prospects, but they've sent 23-year-old first-round pick, Brennan-Ouffman, back to. The American Hockey League, while sticking with veteran-forward Conor Shiri. Authman show promise in juniors and the minors, scoring 21 goals last year with Hartford, and earned NHL call-ups. This season, though, he's managed just one goal in 17 games, playing solid defense on lower lines before getting demoted on February 27. Shiri, a 33-year-old, with ties to coach Mike Sullivan from their Pittsburgh days, has struggled badly. He posted one goal and eight assists in 39 games this year, averaging over 14 minutes of ice time, despite low production, and few hits.

1:02Fans and analysts question why Shiri keeps getting chances over prospects like Authman, who brings physicality and forechecking energy, while the veteran lacks upside and has made costly mistakes in tight games. Instead of chasing meaningless wins, the Ranger should binge Shiri and give more runway to developing talent like Authman to build for next season. Appreciation to our sponsor for backing this episode, some chase peace, I put my head in it, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.