Edstrom’s Struggles and Team Adjustments
DENVER — Adam Edstrom finally made his return to the ice in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, but Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan indicated that the decision to play him wasn’t solely about his health; performance was a factor too.
When asked to assess the team’s start to the 2025-26 season, the towering 6-foot-7 Swede was straightforward. “For better or worse, we know we can produce better hockey than we’ve ever played before,” he shared on Wednesday, after an optional practice at Ball Arena. “The first time I was out, I had some little issues that affected my game a bit. Overall, though, I need to do better when I hit the ice.”
On Tuesday, Edstrom sat out his third game of the season, following earlier absences due to “bruises and bruises” when he missed back-to-back games against the Islanders.
Initially, Edstrom was placed as a left winger, teamed up with Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe, the latter of whom has been sidelined for 12 games due to an upper-body injury. Since that time, the fourth line hasn’t performed as effectively, and Edstrom has found it challenging to maintain consistent performance.
“Just the basics,” he mentioned when reflecting on what the coaches emphasized for him. “Like, manage the puck better. Be a bit more physical and go into the tougher areas of the ice. It’s something we need to focus on as a team, too.”
“I feel like I can take more pride in being one of those guys that leads by example, and that’s what I’m looking forward to,” he added, highlighting his aspirations for improvement.
According to statistics, Edstrom has primarily played alongside Carrick, and together, they’ve been on the ice for four goals during 150 minutes, 57 seconds of 5-on-5 play.
Sullivan noted the team’s desire for a fresh look on the fourth line against the Golden Knights, opting to insert Juuso Parsinen and keeping Edstrom off the roster for that match.
“Just keep your head up,” Edstrom advised, outlining his approach. “I’m putting in the work every day, practicing to refine my skills. It’s a lengthy season, and 82 games is quite a lot. Even if I miss a few now, it could be beneficial for me in the long run, helping me improve.”
As for updates on Rempe, Sullivan mentioned there was no concrete news about his return. “He’s on a rehab schedule right now—three days off, one day on. He’s skating, though,” he said.
Rempe had sustained an upper-body injury following a fight earlier this season, causing him to miss 12 consecutive games and currently places him on long-term injured reserve.
