The New York Rangers and Peter Laviolette Must Prioritize Top Prospects Development Moving Forward

While developing your prospects at a high level is an ideal situation for any NHL team, the Rangers can't seem to prioritize the development of Brett Berard.

Receiving little playtime in the NHL lately, it might be a good idea to send him back to the AHL to continue his season with the Hartford Wolfpack.

Given that he's had to be flexible with the Rangers lineup with Sam Carrick out, Laviolette has opted to rely on Nicolas Aube-Kubel in the lineup, instead of Brett Berard.

It's understandable with the Rangers in the hunt for the playoffs that Laviolette would like to ice the best lineup possible for the team.

But instead of letting Brett Berard languish in the press box, the Rangers should find a way to give him more playing time in the NHL.

Or prioritize his development and send him back to the AHL.

Berard has only played 28 games for the Rangers this season, and more than shown he's capable of being an NHL forward.

He's scored 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists), and if the Rangers can't find a spot for him, he belongs in someplace that will allow him to play an expanded role on the ice.

That would be with the Wolfpack, as they could consider giving him back to the AHL in order to keep developing nicely until he's ready to make the Rangers roster next season.

This season with the big club he's only been able to average 10:41 TOI under Head Coach Peter Laviolette.