The Rangers know they will be without one defenseman for at least several weeks. We wait to hear the news on the other blueliner injured Tuesday. A thin back line just grew a bit thinner.

Adam Fox was injured Tuesday as he got tangled up with Kyle MacLean. A failed clearing attempt kept the puck in the zone and Fox ended up falling on his sleet shoulder, leaving the ice immediately. We had a feeling the injury might be bad and keep the star d-man out, the hope was that it would not be season-ending:

Adam Fox has now left the game. Looks like he popped his collarbone. Full play plus repley. #NYR pic.twitter.com/xfD3DjKg1q

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) February 26, 2025

Wednesday, we got some clarity as it was announced that Fox will miss some time - likely several weeks - but is expected back for the stretch run. I am not sure why now is not considered that, with New York on the outside looking into the playoffs with 24 games remaining, but okay. Best case scenario would be he misses 2-3 weeks. Worst case, he is out until April.

While Fox is but having his best season, at least per the eye test, the 27-year-old former Norris Trophy winner leads all Rangers defensemen in scoring with 48 points this season. His 43 assists pace the Blueshirts and Fox has been on a bit of a scoring streak, hitting the scoresheet in seven straight contests. If there is a silver lining, maybe the time off will allow his knee to heal some more, allowing him to be closer to his former self down the stretch.

With Fox’s status confirmed, we wait for word on Miller. If he is not sidelined, with Fox out, Miller and Will Borgen will be relied upon even more by coach Peter Laviolette. Miller could end quarterbacking the first power play in place of Fox.

Zac Jones, called back up Sunday from his two-game conditioning stint at Hartford, was in the press box the last two games. Fox’s absence should result in Jones landing back in the lineup. If Miller is sidelined as well, Jones could take on the role as PP QB1, utilizing his skating and puck moving skills, presuming they have not atrophied in the press box.

Matthew Robertson, a former second round pick, was called up to provide the Rangers a little depth on the blue line. He got the nod of Chad Ruhwedel and Connor Mackey. Erik Brannstrom, acquired in the JT Miller deal, might have been the first choice, but he is out with an injury as well. Robertson is likely a press box denizen, unless K’Andre misses Friday’s game. If that occurs, Robertson would then likely get the chance to make his NHL debut.

Losing Fox creates a big hole. If Miller is sidelined, doubly so. Every game matters now if the Rangers are to try and make the playoffs. Making a big deal, like for Seth Jones, as suggested on twitter, would be a foolish move. These injuries could possibly change GM Chris Drury view on what to do with Ryan Lindgren, though it likely shouldn’t. If there is a plan in place, don’t deviate from it. But the team’s defense just got markedly worse in the near term with the absence of Fox.

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