The New York Rangers have called up one of their top prospects just in case veteran Chris Kreider is unable to play Tuesday against the Islanders because of injury.

Chris Kreider may end up missing more than just Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh with his upper-body injury, as the Rangers recalled Brennan Othmann on Monday from their AHL Hartford affiliate in advance of Tuesday’s game against the Islanders.

Kreider’s future with the Rangers is murky, but it’s hard to see a contender making enough salary cap room to take on his entire contract midseason. It’s not impossible, but it feels more like an offseason move if it happens.

The New York Rangers were without Chris Kreider as they took on the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday afternoon. Kreider was ruled out by the team with an upper-body injury, and is considered day-to-day going forward. According to the New York Post 's Mollie Walker, Kreider took line rushes before the game but ended up as a late scratch with the injury.

Chris Kreider appears to be the odd forward out of the U.S. lineup and will likely serve as a healthy scratch in Team USA’s opener.

Chris Kreider’s injury could be more serious than originally anticipated and there’s one hint to lead us to that conclusion.