Adam Edstrom of the Rangers is hurt again and put on long-term injury reserve

Adam Edstrom Injured Again, Placed on LTIR

CHICAGO — Just under a year after enduring a season-ending injury, Adam Edstrom has found himself sidelined once more, with another injury occurring just 30 games into the current season.

This morning, the Rangers announced that Edstrom has been placed on long-term injured reserve due to a lower-body injury—marking the second such setback in the last 10 months.

Officials pointed out that this latest injury is related to an issue dated back to February 1st of the previous season, though they believe it won’t impact his recovery timeline for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

Given the ongoing evaluations and the slower-than-expected recovery, the Rangers have opted to put their fourth player on LTIR this season.

Earlier in the season, Edstrom experienced a “bruise” injury in early November that caused him to miss practice on December 1 for further examination of his lower body.

This seems to be an extension of the same problem he’s currently facing.

“He’s been evaluated for the past few days,” commented head coach Mike Sullivan after the Rangers’ recent 3-0 defeat at the United Center. “Our medical team concluded this is the best way to ensure he can return healthy and ready to perform at his best when he gets back on the ice.”

Last season was particularly tough for Edstrom, as he was just starting to hit his stride when he got injured.

Ultimately, that injury required surgery, which he underwent to ensure he was fully prepared for training camp.

This year, things have started off differently for Edstrom, who was a healthy scratch on November 18. In the 24 games he’s played so far, the 6-foot-7 forward managed to rack up two goals and two assists, consistently skating on the fourth line except for one game.

Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen also remained a healthy scratch for his seventh consecutive game, while Taylor Radish was scratched for the second straight match after being in the lineup for 30 games.

“Taylor and I discussed it,” Sullivan said. “Ultimately, we need players who give us the best chance to win. When he’s at his best, he’s effective using his size and physicality. This might be a good chance for us, given our current situation.” It’s been noted that he’s performed well in Hartford.

Meanwhile, Schmerall held his spot on the fourth line in his fourth NHL game.

Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin faced 25 shots, saving 22, marking his 10th loss of the season.

Interestingly, the Rangers currently lead the NHL with 813 hits. Will Quill stands out on the team with the fifth-most hits in the league, tallying 104 as of Wednesday’s game.