What Rangers changes are in store after Adam Fox injury?

When was the last time the Rangers faced an injury as significant as the one suffered by Adam Fox last Thursday against the Hurricanes that landed him on long-term injured reserve and will keep him out for at least 24 days?

Cue the elderly Rose: “It’s been 84 years…”

An exaggeration, maybe not egregious in hockey life. It has been at least four years since the last time the Blueshirts lost a core piece for this long. The fact is, the Rangers have been incredibly fortunate over the past four years with injuries. Mika Zibanejad’s neck injury in 2019 is the most recent comparable injury to Adam Fox’s for the Rangers.

Over the past two seasons, Fox, Jacob Trouba, and K’Andre Miller played 484 of a possible 492 games. Last year, seven Rangers played all 82 games with three missing just one match. Fox is expected to be out for around a month, but not for the entire season.

The silver lining is that his time on the sidelines might make him fresher down the stretch and into the tournament.

Now, let’s talk about the Rangers’ schedule and how to catch a game. But with Fox out, what is Peter Laviolette’s challenge?

While we know that Fox will be out for a fixed minimum of 10 games and 24 days to qualify for LTIR, this is not a day-to-day scenario like the coach hopes for. Laviolette and his staff now have to navigate a path for the team’s future in Fox’s absence. The challenge is real.

When Zibanejad went down in 2019, Chytil did his best between the two upper-echelon wingers, and he has been here to stay. By the way, the Rangers’ second center was Ryan Strome. The third was, Brett Howden, and the fourth was, Lias Andersson, at least for a time wearing No. 28 if anyone can recall him in that sweater.

Howden became the steady fourth-liner once Zibanejad returned and Andersson had been sent to the AHL. Regarding Filip Chytil, this has become a way of life.

Chytil might be suffering from his third recorded concussion. That’s a concern.

Reference

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.