The New York Rangers suffered a double blow as Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin were placed on long-term injured reserve. Fox, who returned from an upper-body injury on December 31, didn't suffer any noticeable injury during the game against the Mammoth, but his absence will be felt, especially on the power play. With 28 points in 30 games, Fox's strong underlying numbers and impact on the power play make his absence a significant challenge for the team. Fox's injury means he'll miss 10 games and 24 days, with the earliest return date set for January 31 against Pittsburgh. The team has called up Scott Morrow from the AHL Hartford, who was used on the power play when Fox was last out. The Rangers' power play struggled without Fox, converting on only 15% of its chances. Shesterkin's injury, on the other hand, occurred in the first period when Utah's JJ Peterka made marginal contact with him, causing the goalie to fall backwards into the net. Shesterkin's left side didn't make contact with Peterka, and the injury didn't appear to stem from the contact. Losing Shesterkin is a massive blow for the Rangers, who heavily rely on their goaltending. As the Vezina Trophy winner in 2022, Shesterkin signed the richest goalie contract in history last season, and he's in the first year of that deal. Jonathan Quick will take on added responsibility with Shesterkin out, but the 39-year-old's workload is a big ask. The team has also called up journeyman goalie Spencer Martin, who has a .903 save percentage in three games, passing over prospect Dylan Garand. The Rangers' president and general manager, Chris Drury, may look to the trade market for a stopgap goalie, considering the team's position in the East and the need to make up ground without its two most important players.
