The New York Rangers, already dealing with more questions than answers, will now be without their best defensemen and possibly their most key player, as Adam Fox will be placed on Long Term Injured Reserve. Fox was injured in the third period Saturday in a check by Brandon Hagel that caused either a left shoulder or arm injury. He will be sidelined at least 10 games and 24 days, enabling Fox to possibly return December 27 against the Islanders.
Fox, the trigger man on the New York power play, had a hand in eight of the team’s 13 man advantage tallies, notching a goal and seven assists in those situations, second amongst the Rangers. Overall, Fox was up to three goals and 23 helpers in 27 contests, rebounding after what was perceived as a down season in 2024-25. His 17 even-strength points lead the team. Fox was averaging 23:50 of ice time, leading the team, while paired with Vladislav Gavrikov.
Now what?
Panic? Well, yes, but once that ends, the plan remains to be seen. New York has to replace not only their right side first-pair defenseman but also the quarterback of the power play. Look for lots of mixing and matching and trial and error as coach Mike Sullivan and associate coach David Quinn attempt to navigate the period without Fox.
Potential pairs:
Gavrikov-Braden Schneider – New York has several polarizing players for the fanbase; Schneider is one such player. He has yet to take that next step forward after making a splash following his initial call up and playoff run. If you ask many of the fans, they would prefer that Schneider be shipped out of town, a fact bolstered by some of the advanced metrics. On the flip side, some believe he has the skill set to move up in the lineup and needs that challenge. This may be a way to see if he is capable of additional responsibility and looks like the likely pairing.
Gavrikov-WIll Borgen – This would be more of a physical, grind forwards down type pairing with both d-men playing a similar type game, though Gavrikov has better offensive instincts and ability. Borgen, with 32 hits and 26 blocks in 20 games, just recently returned after missing five games with an injury.
Acquired last season, Borgen excelled initially, earning a surprise five-year extension with a $4.1 million AAV. Criticized broadly shortly after the signing when Borgen slumped, he has made the contract look good with his play early this season. Borgen has been paired on the second unit with Carson Soucy. While Borgen was out, Schneider skated next to Soucy, which likely would be the case if Borgen moved up to the top pair.
Gavrikov-Scott Morrow – the loss of Fox should mean that Morrow plays more than he sits. Matthew Robertson is likely a fixture now on the third line, though I could see a Urho Vaakanainen (who is a solid skater, though not overly physical)-Morrow pairing, matchup dependent. The probable duo is Robertson-Morrow, the latter bringing offensive potential with both decent skaters. Putting Morrow with Gavrikov on a first pair would be too much of a stretch for Morrow and setting him up for failure based on the style of play and skill level. What should happen is that Morrow skated on the third pair and man’s the first power play point.
After Fox left the game, New York went with five forwards, partially because Morrow was a healthy scratch with Vaakanainen. With Fox out at least 24 days, Morrow’s skill set makes him the best replacement for Fox on the power play. Neither Schneider or Robertson fit well in that spot and going with five forwards leaves the team more vulnerable to a counterattack and shorthanded opportunity against. This is where we should see if Morrow can handle additional responsibility.
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