The New York Rangers have received an unfortunate injury news as forward is expected to miss 2.5 to 3.5 months due to a lower-body injury.
This timeline means that, at best, he could return in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs—assuming the Rangers qualify. Heading into Tuesday’s action, they sat 12th in the Eastern Conference, trailing the second wild-card spot by five points. If his recovery extends to the full 3.5 months, Edstrom’s season could effectively be over unless the Rangers make a deep playoff run.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury during the loss to the Boston Bruins. He exited early in the second period after playing just six shifts. He then missed Sunday’s 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, with veteran forward Jimmy Vesey stepping into his spot on the fourth line alongside Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe.
“He’s had a strong season for us in his first full year as a regular,” head coach Peter Laviolette said Tuesday. “His size, physicality, and speed have been valuable, so losing him is tough. But it also creates an opportunity for someone else. Last game, Jimmy [Vesey] stepped in, so this is a chance for him to make an impact.”
Adam Edstrom has been a key depth player for New York, appearing in 51 games this season and registering five goals and four assists while averaging 9:16 of ice time. The 6-foot-6 forward has impressed with his speed, hockey IQ, and defensive awareness, particularly on a fourth line that had become an effective unit since Rempe’s return from suspension. Three of Edstrom’s goals came in January, including a game-winner in a 6-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 23.
Ironically, Vesey—who recently expressed frustration over being a healthy scratch for nine straight games—now finds himself with a regular spot in the lineup due to Edstrom’s injury. The 31-year-old veteran logged 12:24 in his return Sunday and, despite struggling offensively this season (four points in 27 games), brings 610 games of NHL experience and is a reliable penalty killer.
Meanwhile, Arthur Kaliyev appears to be the odd man out, while Jonny Brodzinski remains in the lineup as the third-line center following Filip Chytil’s trade to the Vancouver Canucks.