After missing the last 10 games, defenseman Adam Fox is set to return to the line-up for Wednesday night’s game against the Detroit Red Wings. Fox was injured back on November 2nd, when he collided with Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes and suffered what was believed to be a leg or hip injury.
The former Norris Trophy winner returned to the ice last week and began skating in a full contact jersey earlier this week. In his absence, the Rangers compiled an impressive 7-2-1 record, with Erik Gustafsson stepping into the role of the main playmaker on the blueline and on the Power Play.
Fox practiced with the first power play unit today, signaling that he’s likely to slot right back into the position he vacated through injury.
Kakko placed on LTIR
While Fox returns, the Rangers unfortunately lost another of their regulars, with Kaapo Kakko expected to miss significant time with a knee injury that caused him to leave the game against Buffalo last night. The team shared that they don’t expect to be out for the entire season, but will certainly not be back within the 10 game minimum period for LTIR. The move, along with the placement of Filip Chytil on LTIR – retroactively to November 3rd – frees up roster space and temporary Cap relief in order to bring up two forwards from Hartford – Jonny Brodzinski and Adam Edstrom.
For Brodzinski, it marks his second stint this year with the Rangers, having played one game to back fill Barclay Goodrow’s absence due to the birth of his son. The Wolf Pack captain currently leads the AHL with 25 points in 16 games, with 11 goals and 14 assists in those contests. His ability to play all three forward positions also provides Peter Laviolette some options with his line-up.
Joining Brodzinski is the 6-8 225lb Adam Edstrom. The 2019 6th rounder has 7 goals and 2 assists in 18 games this year, and is tied for second on the team with Alex Belzile and Riley Nash in goals. Edstrom is in his first full season in North America, having previously played in his native Sweden.
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