Matt Puempel, who scored a hat trick last week against the Coyotes but then took a hit to the head in Colorado on New Year’s Eve, has been placed in the concussion protocol and is out indefinitely, according to Rangers coach Alain Vigneault.
Vigneault said Puempel began feeling symptoms during Monday’s practice.
“[He] got hit in Colorado, went through the protocol, was fine,” Vigneault said before Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to Buffalo at Madison Square Garden. “He started practice with us [Monday], was fine until about the last 10 minutes and had to leave practice. At this time, I’d say he’s out indefinitely until we sort this out.”
Nicklas Jensen was promoted from AHL Hartford to take Puempel’s spot on the roster, and Vigneault said J.T. Miller would get more ice time in Puempel’s absence.
It’s the second time this season Puempel has been sidelined with a concussion after missing four games following a hit from the Islanders’ Brock Nelson in December.
Puempel had played well on a power play that has been productive of late. Heading into Tuesday, the Rangers had scored seven power-play goals in their previous three games, all victories. Against the Sabres, though, they went 0-for-1.
The Rangers will rely more on Miller, who has been inconsistent at times. But Vigneault said he has seen improvement lately. Miller scored three goals in his previous two games after netting just one in a 17-game stretch that included a seven-game streak without a goal.
“I think J.T. the last few games has responded real well,” Vigneault said.
Vigneault has been critical of the NHL’s newly installed bye week, which is fast approaching for the Rangers.
After Saturday’s game against the Blue Jackets, the team doesn’t play again until the following Friday against Toronto.
“This is a new break for everybody,” the coach said. “We have this break coming up and then we have the All-Star break. This one, there’s really nothing that we can do.”
Players that are on injured reserve will be allowed to skate during the break, but the team can’t have any formal workouts.
Rick Nash missed his sixth straight game with a groin injury, despite practicing on Monday and will be out Wednesday in Philadelphia, as well.
Pavel Buchnevich (back), who skated in a non-contact jersey Monday, was also out again. He hasn’t played since November, but is close to being able to practice with contact.