Adam Fox injury update: New York Rangers place their Norris Trophy defenseman on LTIR after left shoulder issue | NHL News
The New York Rangers kicked off the weekend looking for some momentum, but ended up in a much trickier situation after Adam Fox left the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning clearly in pain. The hit from Brandon Hagel happened with under 13 minutes remaining in the third period, but its effects went way beyond those last few minutes. Just moments before, Fox had assisted J.T. Miller for the only goal the Rangers scored that night, proving once again why he’s one of the most crucial defensemen in the NHL.As Mike Sullivan headed down the tunnel, he quickly made a tactical change, opting for a rare five-forward setup on the power play as the Rangers dealt with the sudden absence of their quarterback. Behind the scenes, tension was rising. Jonathan Quick was already out of the picture, which meant Igor Shesterkin had to take on a challenging back-to-back workload that tested both his stamina and the team’s structure without Fox’s steady influence. The Rangers responded by bringing back Spencer Martin, but the questions kept coming. With Fox’s reevaluation set for around Christmas and rumors of possible shoulder issues circulating, the team now faces a stretch where their depth, discipline, and a simplified approach will be key to staying afloat.
Adam Fox’s 26 point season puts more pressure on the New York Rangers depth
Fox being placed on LTIR is a huge setback for the Rangers, who are in a tight race in the Metropolitan Division. As the mastermind behind New York’s power play, Fox’s creativity and puck skills have been key in creating scoring opportunities from the blue line.His 26 points (3 goals, 23 assists) in 27 games this season highlight his offensive talent, putting him in a tie with Panarin for the team lead.The loss affects not just the main power-play unit but also the entire defensive setup. Teammates swiftly recognized the gap created by Fox. Center Mika Zibanejad shared his thoughts with reporters after the Lightning game, showing the difficulty, “He’s a Norris [Trophy–winning] defenseman,”Zibanejad said. “He’s been running our power play for so long. When that happens that quickly, you’re just trying to simplify things, to try to get pucks to the net and not overcomplicate things. … It’s a different type of power play when he’s not there. … It’s not for the better.”Zibanejad’s comments, delivered in the postgame locker room at Madison Square Garden, captured the players’ sentiment, emphasizing the need for a more straightforward approach without Fox’s elite distribution skills.Early reports from medical experts suggest the shoulder issue could range from a separation—potentially allowing a return by late December—to a more serious collarbone fracture, which might extend his timeline. However, sources indicate the injury is week-to-week and not expected to jeopardize Fox’s participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics.Also Read: Jason Robertson’s record breaking streak gives Dallas a confident lift as they match up with Edmonton Oilers
