As the New York Rangers approach what could be their most important game of the season, they might be getting one of their key players back in the lineup.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette informed reporters after Saturday’s morning skate that Adam Fox is “trending” toward returning. Fox has been sidelined for eight games since suffering an upper-body injury against the New York Islanders on February 25.
He’s been skating with the team during their current road trip and recently removed his no-contact jersey during an optional practice on Friday.
During the morning skate, Fox worked on the top power-play unit, a position he has held for years, signaling that he could be ready to return after a three-week absence. Although the Rangers didn’t do line rushes, there were no other signs to confirm whether he would or wouldn’t play against the Blue Jackets.
In a noteworthy development, veteran defenseman Carson Soucy was one of the last players on the ice, staying out with recently scratched players Calvin de Haan and Juuso Parssinen. This could also indicate Fox’s likely return, along with the fact that he was taken off the injured reserve list that afternoon.
Soucy has played in all four games since being acquired by the Rangers from the Vancouver Canucks before the NHL Trade Deadline.
The Rangers will face the Columbus Blue Jackets that night in a crucial game at Nationwide Arena.
