The Rangers remain optimistic about having both first-line center JT Miller and top scorer Artemi Panarin available for their opening night, even though they’ve missed some time recently.
Miller was back on the ice for practice on Friday, donning a red contactless jersey. Meanwhile, Panarin was seen skating with his coach.
Having not participated in practice since aggravating a non-contact lower body injury during Monday’s session, Miller has rejoined the first line, pairing up with Mika Zibanejad and Will Kuira.
As for Panarin, he was kept out of Thursday night’s preseason game for precautionary reasons due to an upper body injury—a slight change from an earlier lower body issue he faced during training camp.
Head coach Mike Sullivan clarified that this isn’t a new injury.
“We’ve always leaned towards caution with these players,” Sullivan remarked in Tarrytown on Friday. “Artemi skated this morning prior to the team, so while he’s not fully engaged, he’s still active.”
He added, “We’re hopeful he’ll be ready; he’s certainly making progress.”
Sullivan didn’t specify when Miller would fully rejoin practice, but noted that his return to the ice was a “very encouraging sign.” He expressed confidence it wouldn’t be long before Miller is back to form. Following his acquisition from the Canucks, Miller had a significant impact last season, scoring 35 points in just 32 matches, and was named the new captain last month.
Connor Cearly stepped into Panarin’s role on Friday, joining the second line alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafrenière, having accumulated 209 points over the last two seasons.
Adam Edstrom made his preseason debut on September 25 and it served as a reality check for him. Despite practicing throughout training camp after lower body surgery, it had been a long while since he’d played in an actual game, since February, in fact.
Feeling the pressure against the Islanders that night, Edstrom, who plays a vital role on the Rangers’ fourth line with Matt Lempe and Sam Carrick, found himself in a good position when a clearing attempt from a Devils defenseman deflected off his skate, adding to his confidence.
Now in his second NHL season, Edstrom aims to build on his offensive contributions after playing only 11 games in 2023 and 51 prior to his injury last season. He’s not keen on being pigeonholed as just a fourth or third liner, a label he feels is imposed by others. He believes that he, Carrick, and Lempe have the skills to create goals, asserting, “Our line has enough skill to contribute, not just act as a power line.”
The Rangers will face the Bruins in Boston on Saturday for their final preseason game.
