The New York Rangers are reportedly exploring trade options to bolster their defense following the loss of star defenseman Adam Fox to a long-term injured reserve. Fox sustained an upper-body injury during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and is expected to miss at least 10 games and 24 days. His absence creates a significant void on the Rangers' blue line, particularly on the power play, where he quarterbacks the top unit.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are interested in acquiring a defenseman who specializes in running a power play. One name that has surfaced in connection to the Rangers is Detroit Red Wings veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson.

Gustafsson, 33, is currently under a two-year, $4 million contract with the Red Wings. He spent the 2023-24 season with the Rangers, recording 6 goals and 31 points in 76 games. His familiarity with the Rangers organization and his proven ability to contribute on the power play make him a potential fit as a short-term replacement for Fox.

However, Gustafsson has spent most of the current season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, due to the emergence of younger defensemen in the Red Wings system. He has only played one game for Detroit this season. This could make him a more readily available trade target, as the Red Wings might be willing to part with him for a late-round draft pick or a minor prospect.

While Friedman has mentioned Gustafsson as a potential target, he cautioned that nothing is imminent and that the Rangers are likely exploring other options as well. Other defensemen who the Rangers could target include Mario Ferraro, Morgan Rielly, and Rasmus Andersson.

In the meantime, the Rangers are adjusting their defensive pairings and power-play units to compensate for Fox's absence. Braden Schneider has moved up to the top defensive pair alongside Vladislav Gavrikov. The first power-play unit has been reconfigured with five forwards, with Artemi Panarin taking Fox's spot at the point.

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged that Fox is not easily replaceable and that the team will need to adjust its game plan to compensate for his absence. The Rangers' ability to remain competitive without Fox will be a key factor in determining their approach to the trade market in the coming weeks.