The New York Rangers have been battling through adversity this season. The franchise sits in the playoff race but has faced significant challenges maintaining consistency. However, a recent injury to their top defenseman has created an urgent need that management is actively trying to address.
The star blueliner’s absence leaves a massive hole in the Rangers’ roster. He anchors their power play and logs heavy minutes in all situations. New York is now exploring the trade market for a short-term solution that can help fill the void while their defender recovers from injury.
Rangers Exploring Trade Market for Power-Play Defenseman During Adam Fox’s Absence
The Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, but their power play struggles were evident without their top defenseman. New York managed just one power-play opportunity and failed to convert, highlighting the void created by the injury.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman addressed the Rangers’ situation during the 32 Thoughts Podcast. The insider revealed New York is actively searching for a defenseman who can quarterback their power play while Adam Fox remains sidelined.
“I’ve heard the Rangers are, you know, Adam Fox being out. They’re looking to see if there’s something they can find for a power play quarterback,” Friedman reported. The insider acknowledged the small sample size from Thursday’s game.
“They got a big win over Ottawa on Thursday night. They only had one power play. They were 0 for one on it. Hardly much of a sample size, but I do think they are looking for somebody out there,” Friedman noted.
Friedman identified a specific target the Rangers have been connected to recently. “And one of the names I’ve kind of heard thrown around was Erik Gustafsson, which would make some sense. He’s in the American Hockey League, and they know him,” the insider said.
Friedman explained why Gustafsson makes sense as a potential acquisition. “He had 35 assists a few years ago in a season for the Rangers. So, I don’t think that there’s anything done there by any stretch of the imagination, but I know they’re looking around to see if there’s someone they can find while Fox is out,” he explained.
Gustafsson previously played for New York during the 2022-23 season, when he recorded 35 assists while quarterbacking their power play. The Swedish defenseman is currently playing in the AHL, making him an affordable option that wouldn’t require significant assets to acquire.
Fox’s injury timeline remains uncertain, creating urgency for the Rangers to find help. New York currently holds an 11-10-2 record through 23 games and sits in a playoff position.
However, they cannot afford to fall behind in the competitive Metropolitan Division while waiting for Fox to return. Whether the Rangers ultimately acquire Gustafsson or pursue another option remains to be seen.