Some tough news for Rangers forward Adam Sykora today as he has been ruled out for 4-5 months after suffering a leg injury in Monday night’s preseason game against the New Jersey Devils. Sykora’s leg got caught as he and a defender went into the boards, and had to be helped off the ice without putting any weight on his right leg.

The young Slovakian had not been expected to make the opening night roster, but his injury probably precludes what would likely have been a mid-season call-up, at least until the final six or so weeks of the regular season.

It’s a disappointing result for both the player and the Rangers, as Sykora looked like a potential bottom six forward that could bring energy and enthusiasm as well as a bit of offense. In his first NHL action last season, he scored 3 goals and added an assist in an 11-game stint that came at the end of the year.

IORIO OUT DAY TO DAY

Defenseman Vincent Iorio also left Monday’s game with a lower body injury, though the cause remains unknown. Iorio left in the third and did not return, though the news for him is far less devastating. Ruled day-to-day, the 6-4 defender is likely now to be placed on waivers and reassigned to Hartford where he’ll bolster a relatively thin right side of the ice.

Injured center Cole Beaudoin also made his return last night, scoring a goal in his first preseason game. Beaudoin had missed the second rookie game and the first preseason game after being injured in the opening rookie match against the Flyers. Beaudoin looked comfortable on the ice and played a regular shift throughout the game, battling with defenders and attackers without any clear limitation.