In recent years, the Rangers had a habit of bringing in fourth-line centres with experience in the mould of Kevin Rooney, Greg McKegg, Ryan Carpenter, and Jonny Brodzinski.
But on Wednesday, general manager Chris Drury broke from tradition by claiming fourth-line centre Jake Leschyshyn, 23, off of waivers from Vegas.
Leschyshyn did not participate in Thursday's 2-1 overtime victory over Dallas after flying into New York late on Wednesday and participating in a skate at Madison Square Garden the following morning.
However, the Blueshirts didn't sign him with the idea of making him a regular healthy scratch. He will have a chance to apply for the position.
Leschyshyn, the son of former NHL defenseman and 1996 Cup victor Curtis Leschyshyn, had not yet had a chance to speak with Gerard Gallant before the game.
However, the coach is already acquainted with Leschyshyn due to his time while working with Vegas when the centre was selected 62nd overall in the second round of the 2017 selection.
The Blueshirts' action here carries no risk. If it works out, Leschyshyn, who is in the first year of a three-year deal with a $766,667 AAV, would probably remove Brodzinski from the roster.
The Blueshirts will have about $5.5 million available at the deadline despite carrying two extra forwards, including the temporarily injured Chris Kreider.
The hiring of Leschyshyn raises concerns about Gustav Rydahl's future, who has fallen in the organisation.
The 28-year-old Swedish centre, who has a release clause in his contract, has a record of 4-5-9 in 25 games with the AHL Wolf Pack in his first North American campaign.