The New York Rangers returned to practice on February 17 in Greenburgh, marking the first session since the Olympic break two weeks earlier, with key players Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin fully participating. Their presence raises the possibility that both the star defenseman and the team’s No. 1 goalie may return to the lineup when the Rangers face the Philadelphia Flyers on February 26, offering a crucial boost to a struggling squad.
The importance of Fox and Shesterkin rejoining the Rangers cannot be overstated. The team endured a brutal January without them, losing 12 of 14 games and slipping to the bottom of the NHL standings. The absence of these two stars has been felt deeply, as the Rangers’ playoff hopes dimmed significantly following their injuries on January 5 during a 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden.
Return of Key Players Signals Shift in Rangers’ Season Outlook
Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin both suffered lower-body injuries on January 5, a turning point after which the Rangers’ decline accelerated, leaving them 30th in the Eastern Conference. General Manager Chris Drury publicly acknowledged the team’s struggles during this stretch and shifted focus from making the playoffs to retooling the roster, rather than undertaking a full rebuild.
In line with this strategy, the Rangers traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders and moved forward Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic break. These moves underscored the team’s acknowledgment that competing for this season is unlikely without their injured stars.
Despite this, the return of Fox and Shesterkin for the last 25 games is significant not because it promises a playoff miracle but because it offers a chance for the Rangers to present a more competitive team on ice. Their participation will help coaches and management better assess the young talent already on the roster or soon to arrive, under more representative playing conditions, which is vital to the ongoing retooling process.
Evaluating the Impact of Fox and Shesterkin Returning to Play
Some voices express concern that the return of these two could reduce the Rangers’ odds in the NHL Draft Lottery. At 11.6 percent, New York’s chance of securing the first overall pick could decline if the team performs better down the stretch. However, the unpredictability of the lottery reflects past surprises. For instance, New York won the lottery in 2020 despite having only the 14th best odds, selecting Alexis Lafreniere first overall. Similarly, the Islanders capitalized on a win from the 10th best odds last year to draft defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Fox appeared closer to returning just before the break, practicing in a no-contact jersey, while Shesterkin was still working individually. The 28-year-old Fox has missed 27 games this season due to injury but remains a pivotal figure. Though he played only 30 games so far, he is tied for third in assists on the Rangers with 24 and ranks sixth in points with 28. Fox’s ability to quarterback the top defense pairing alongside Vladislav Gavrikov and lead the No. 1 power-play unit has been sorely missed. His expected goal share at even strength sits at a remarkable 59.92 percent, well above other team members, underscoring his elite impact.
Shesterkin, age 30, carried a heavy workload as the NHL’s busiest goaltender before his injury. Among goalies with at least 30 games played, he ranks third with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. The team’s poor run without him further highlights his value, positioning him as New York’s most important player this season.
Broader Implications for Rangers’ Future and Team Development
Bringing Fox and Shesterkin back into the lineup offers the Rangers a more stable foundation for the final quarter of the season. Rather than focusing solely on wins or losses, their presence enables better evaluation of younger players and prospects on the roster. This approach aligns with Chris Drury’s directive of retooling the team for future competitiveness, balancing the need to remain competitive while preparing for the years ahead.
As the season progresses toward its conclusion, the Rangers will rely on their returning stars to stabilize performance and provide leadership. Their return could influence team morale and on-ice results, which in turn will affect key roster decisions in the offseason.
“Greetings from Greenburgh, where the #NYR are back at practice. That’s Igor Shesterkin.” — Colin Stephenson, Sports Reporter
Greetings from Greenburgh, where the #NYR are back at practice. That’s Igor Shesterkin. pic.twitter.com/krl7e8bgUr
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) February 17, 2026
