Adam Fox Takes Positive Steps in Rehab
On Wednesday morning, Adam Fox hit the ice, wearing a red non-contact jersey, alongside several Rangers during an optional morning skate ahead of their game at UBS Arena.
Head coach Mike Sullivan shared before the Rangers’ 5-2 defeat against the Islanders that Fox’s participation was “very” encouraging, indicating he’s making progress in his rehabilitation. Sullivan noted that this suggests Fox is “getting close” to a return.
However, it’s unclear if the 27-year-old Long Island native will be ready to play before the NHL takes a break next week for the Winter Olympics in Milan. The Rangers only have three games left before the suspension — the upcoming match against the Islanders at Madison Square Garden, a game in Pittsburgh on Saturday, and another home game against the Hurricanes next Thursday.
“We don’t have an answer, but his being with the team clearly indicates he’s in the final stages before coming back,” Sullivan added, leaving some hope for fans.
Fox has played in just three games since November 29, due to long-term injuries—first a shoulder issue, followed by a lower-body injury sustained during a game against the Mammoths on January 5.
Meanwhile, goalie Igor Shesterkin, who also suffered a lower-body injury during that same game, was seen working out with goalie coach Jeff Malcolm at the training facility in Tarrytown on Wednesday morning.
Sullivan mentioned it’s a “fair statement” to say that Fox is progressing faster than Shesterkin in their respective recovery processes. Forward Connor Sheary, dealing with a lower body issue, also skated in a non-contact jersey during the optional skate.
In the game against the Islanders, Spencer Martin started in goal, facing 36 shots and allowing all five goals. This marked his fourth start since Shesterkin’s injury, and Sullivan has been frequently switching between Martin and veteran Jonathan Quick lately.
“I think the most important thing is to help both parties succeed,” Sullivan remarked. “We weren’t sure about the workload for a player like Quick and where he stood in his career. Splitting the workload might yield a better version of both players. That’s what I’ve observed.”
