MIAMI — Just when it seemed one injury was resolving, another two have popped up.
Noah Raba is now facing a week-to-week recovery after suffering an upper-body injury from a hit by Capitals player Tom Wilson during the second period on Wednesday. The team shared this news on Thursday.
This injury adds to the list of setbacks the Rangers have endured since the season began.
“It’s definitely a tough blow,” remarked head coach Mike Sullivan after practice at Lawndepot Park. “Lava has been performing exceptionally well for us. His growth has been, well, quite noticeable. From his time with the rookies in Lehigh Valley to now, his improvement is almost like night and day. He brings a lot to the team—his speed and tenacity on both ends are tough to replace. We’re really going to miss him.”
The 22-year-old rookie watched as his teammates practiced from the sidelines in the Miami Marlins’ stadium.
Also on the sidelines was Adam Edstrom, who has been out for 15 games on long-term injured reserve due to a lower-body injury.
On top of that, Conor Sheary was seen on crutches Wednesday night, dealing with a similar issue. The Rangers have now put Sheary on long-term injured reserve.
In light of these developments, the team has recalled wings Brett Berard and Anton Bryde, along with center Justin Dowling from Hartford.
When asked about Sheary’s injury, Sullivan mentioned, “We suspect it could be serious. All I can say is he’s in it for the long haul, and we’ll take it from there. I honestly didn’t expect him back so soon.”
The Rangers find themselves needing more players due to injuries and other concerns, prompting them to send Brennan Osman back to the Wolfpack because of salary cap issues.
Losing Rava is particularly tough. He has been a consistent presence in all 42 games since seizing the third-line center position during training camp. The team is already limited in midfield, so his role has been vital for maintaining some stability.
With Rava out, Dowling is set to take the reins in the center on the third line, flanked by Johnny Brodzinski and Taylor Radish. This would indeed mark his Rangers debut during the Winter Classic, having signed a two-year deal with the club in July.
Lastly, captain JT Miller participated in practice wearing a red non-contact jersey—a first since he suffered his upper-body injury on December 20. This upcoming game will mark Miller’s sixth consecutive absence and eighth in total.
