Rangers Welcome Back Key Players After Olympic Break

The New York Rangers are set to bring back three players into their lineup now that the Olympic break has concluded.

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox are both expected to return for Thursday’s matchup against the Flyers at Madison Square Garden. This news comes after they exited the January 5 game due to lower-body injuries, as confirmed by head coach Mike Sullivan following the morning skate in Tarrytown.

Additionally, Connor Sheary, who has been sidelined since December 31 with a similar injury, is also anticipated to make his comeback. Adam Edstrom remains with the team but will need more practice time as he continues his recovery from an injury that has kept him out since late November.

After struggling to a 2-11 record when Shesterkin and Fox were placed on the injured reserve list—Shesterkin with a long-term injury—the Rangers had no choice but to rely on Jonathan Quick, who filled in as the starting goalie, and adjust their power play strategies in Fox’s absence. With the two stars back on the ice, the team hopes to regain some stability.

Sullivan expressed optimism about their return, saying, “This is a big boost. Players like Fox and Shesterkin have unique talents that are hard to replace. Having them back will definitely instill confidence in the team.”

Fox has had a challenging season; he has played in only three games since November 29, initially due to a shoulder issue, followed by the lower-body injury from the game against Utah that left him sidelined for an extended period. The Norris Trophy winner has managed to rack up 28 points in just 38 games this year, showcasing his potential despite the setbacks.

Before his injury, Shesterkin was performing well with a .913 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average. A notable moment came when he was injured without being touched during a game against Mammoth, which forced him off the ice with assistance. Unfortunately, Quick faced challenges in his absence, posting a 1-8-0 record with a save percentage of .853.

Back from the Olympic break, the Rangers are eager to reintegrate their stars into the game quickly. When asked about the timing for bringing Shesterkin and Fox back, Sullivan mentioned, “They’re healthy. They have worked hard to reach this point. Their talent will undoubtedly enhance our team.”