New York Rangers‘ undrafted rookie defenseman Neil Pionk(44) received what was a bit of unexpected recall to join the parent club, who was struggling to secure their own zone.
The 6′ 190 lbs. blue liner had a strong training camp but was reassigned to affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack to start his pro career.
In 48 AHL games he put in his first goal and 16 assists with a -9 rating on a team that struggles to win consistently but has unloaded 85 shots on net.
He brings in strong puck-moving skills and has shown through a pair of years at University Of Minnesota-Duluth, where he connected for 27 assists in 42 NCAA games and previously with Sioux City Musketeers grabbing 41 helpers in 53 USHL contests that he can affect the scoresheet.
He was also a +23 and +24 in both those campaigns and picked up 2014-2015 d-mn of the year in juniors.
In his first 6 NHL games he has an assist, while skating an average of over 20 minutes per appearance.
The 22-year old is signed to a 2-year entry level deal through 2019 and looks to be earning his spot in the show.