New York Rangers defenceman Adam Fox is getting close to making a return to the lineup, but it will have to wait until after the Olympic break, head coach Mike Sullivan said Wednesday.
Fox, who is on LTIR and has been out since Jan. 5 with a lower-body injury, was left off Team USA’s initial roster for the Olympics and passed over again as the country replaced Seth Jones with Anaheim Ducks blueliner Jackson LaCombe in mid-January.
Sullivan, who will also serve as head coach for the United State in Italy, acknowledged Wednesday that Fox’s injury played a role in the decision.
Adam Fox looked like he’s getting closer to being full go, but Mike Sullivan said he won’t play tomorrow against Carolina.
Asked if Fox’s injury played into Team USA’s consideration when deciding on a Jones Olympic replacement, Sullivan said “yes.” Jackson LaCombe got the nod.
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) February 4, 2026
Fox, 27, also missed almost all of December with an upper-body injury. He returned to action on Dec. 31 after missing 14 games with the ailment, but was able to play just three games before suffering his latest injury.
A Norris Trophy winner as a sophomore in the 2020-21 campaign, Fox has four goals and 28 points in 30 games this season. In 461 career NHL games, the Jericho, NY native has 67 goals and 397 points.
LaCombe, 25, has six goals and 37 points while appearing in all 56 games for the Ducks this season, averaging 24:30 of ice time.
Team USA will play its first game at the Winter Olympics on Feb. 12 against Latvia.