The New York Rangers could be getting a major boost soon - and not a moment too soon.
Both Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin, two of the team’s foundational stars, are making encouraging strides in their recovery from lower-body injuries suffered back on Jan. 5 against the Utah Mammoth. While the Rangers have managed to tread water in their absence, there's no question that getting these two back would be a game-changer for a team with serious postseason aspirations.
Let’s start with Fox. The Norris Trophy-winning defenseman quietly logged nearly the entire game against Utah before exiting ahead of overtime - which lasted just over a minute thanks to Sean Durzi’s game-winner.
At the time, there wasn’t much clarity on when Fox suffered the injury, but the aftermath was immediate: he was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) the very next day. It was a tough blow for a player who had only recently returned from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for 14 games earlier in the season.
As for Shesterkin, his injury was much more visible - and far more alarming in the moment. The Rangers’ franchise netminder went down in clear pain, needing help to get off the ice and unable to put weight on his leg.
It was the kind of scene that makes you hold your breath. But thankfully, early reports indicated the worst-case scenario was avoided.
Shesterkin was placed on injured reserve, but the tone around his recovery has been cautiously optimistic ever since.
Now, there’s tangible progress. On Monday, head coach Mike Sullivan shared an update that should have Rangers fans feeling hopeful.
“Both of those guys have been skating,” Sullivan said. “They've had a handful of skates to this point so far, which obviously suggests that they're making significant progress.
They have not joined the team to this point. That would be the next step, but certainly they're on the ice, and they've had a handful of skates at this point.”
Translation: they’re not quite there yet, but they’re close.
Neither player has suited up in the last eight games, and while there’s still no concrete return date, the timeline is beginning to take shape. Fox, due to LTIR rules, isn’t eligible to return until Jan. 29 - when the Rangers face off against the Islanders. Shesterkin, on the other hand, is eligible to be activated at any time.
Getting Fox back would immediately stabilize the blue line. His ability to control pace, quarterback the power play, and transition the puck out of the defensive zone is elite - and not easily replaced.
Meanwhile, Shesterkin’s return would bring back the kind of goaltending presence that can singlehandedly swing games. He’s that good when he’s on, and his absence has been felt even with capable backups stepping in.
The Rangers have weathered the storm so far. But if Fox and Shesterkin are indeed nearing a return, the team could be poised to hit another gear as the season grinds toward the playoff push.