The top team in the NHL is about to get their No. 1 defenseman back in the lineup.
Adam Fox was a full participant in the Rangers’ morning skate on Monday before the club was set to face the Sabres at Madison Square Garden. Shedding his red non-contact jersey, Fox appears on pace to return to game action when he is eligible to come off long-term injured reserve on Wednesday against the Red Wings.
“He’s improving,” head coach Peter Laviolette said of Fox, who missed his 10th straight game on Monday. “We don’t have to make that decision today. He continues to get better. It’s nice to have him out there competing without any restrictions. I thought he looked good.”
The 25-year-old has been skating with the team the last week or so as he works his way back from a lower-body injury, which he sustained in a knee-on-knee collision with Carolina forward Sebastian Aho on Nov. 2.
Monday was the first practice Fox participated in without a red non-contact jersey.
The Rangers, who lost Filip Chytil in the same game they lost Fox, comprised a 7-1-1 record entering Monday’s game without the help of their 2023 Norris Trophy runner-up.
Despite missing two key players, the Blueshirts didn’t miss a beat both offensively and defensively.
Fox’s 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 10 games still ranks sixth on the Rangers.
Chytil continues to skate by himself, according to Laviolette, but the Czech center has yet to join the team on the ice. While he was eligible to come off injured reserve on Nov. 12 against the Blue Jackets, Chytil took longer than Fox to resume skating and in turn, he doesn’t appear close to being ready to play.
The Rangers are scheduled to practice on Tuesday before they face the Red Wings on Wednesday at the Garden.
Monday is Hockey Fights Cancer night at MSG.
Prior to the game, the Rangers hosted an afternoon fantasy skate benefitting Northwell Health Cancer Institute. Rangers alumni Michael Del Zotto and Adam Graves participated in the event.
In addition to the Blueshirts coaching staff and MSG Network personalities donning HFC pins and ribbons, the Rangers provided a special experience for children and families impacted by cancer. Fans are able to retrieve “I Fight For” placards throughout the arena concourses.