The New York Rangers are facing a significant challenge with the loss of star defenseman Adam Fox, who has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) due to an upper-body injury sustained in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team will be without Fox for at least 10 games and 24 days, meaning he is expected to miss most of December. In his absence, the Rangers will need other defensemen to step up, particularly Braden Schneider and Scott Morrow.
Fox's injury occurred late in the game against the Lightning after a hit from forward Brandon Hagel. He appeared to brace himself before the contact, placing his arm against the boards, and left the game visibly uncomfortable. Before the injury, Fox was having a strong season, with 3 goals and 23 assists, totaling 26 points. He was second in points among defensemen in the league, only trailing Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.
With Fox out, the Rangers are expected to lean more on their remaining defensemen and potentially adjust pairings and special teams usage. According to reports, Braden Schneider has been moved up to the top defensive pair alongside Vladislav Gavrikov. This presents a significant opportunity for Schneider to showcase his abilities in a more prominent role. Throughout the season, there were expectations for Schneider to take the next step in his career.
Schneider, a first-round draft pick in 2020, has steadily increased his role with the Rangers since joining the team in the 2021-22 season. During the 2024-25 season, he posted career highs in goals (6), assists (15), and points (21). The team wants him to continue playing his physical brand of hockey while also contributing to the offensive breakout and attack.
Scott Morrow, who the Rangers acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, is another defenseman who will need to step up. Morrow has the opportunity to carve out a more prominent role in the Rangers' lineup with Fox sidelined. Coach Mike Sullivan wants to see Morrow play with assertive energy and eliminate hesitation from his game.
Prior to being traded to the Rangers, Morrow played 14 games with the Hurricanes in the 2024-25 season, recording one goal and five assists. He also played 52 games in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, tallying 39 points. The Rangers clearly thought highly of Morrow, as they specifically sought to acquire him in the trade with the Hurricanes.
The Rangers' ability to remain competitive without Fox will be crucial. The team may also consider adjusting their power play strategy. In a recent game after Fox's injury, the Rangers used a five-forward power play unit. The team has been working with Artemi Panarin at the point on the first unit, while Scott Morrow anchors the second unit.
The loss of Adam Fox is a significant blow to the New York Rangers. However, it presents an opportunity for players like Braden Schneider and Scott Morrow to step up and prove their value to the team. How these players perform in Fox's absence could significantly impact the Rangers' success in the coming weeks.
