Adam Edstrom was sidelined for the New York Rangers’ game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday due to a lower-body injury he sustained during a 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins the day before. Edstrom left the game against the Bruins early, playing only six shifts, with just two in the second period, totaling 4:22 of ice time. His final shift ended at 7:51 of the second period.
“He’s out tonight,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette confirmed before Sunday’s game. “He’s still being evaluated.”
In Edstrom’s absence, Jimmy Vesey, who had expressed frustration about his lack of playing time on Friday, took his spot on the fourth line. Arthur Kaliyev, like Vesey, was scratched for the game against the Bruins and was again left out of the lineup.
Edstrom had one of his standout moments earlier this season when the Rangers last faced the Golden Knights. He scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Jonny Brodzinski, in New York’s 2-1 victory on January 11 at T-Mobile Arena.
Edstrom to miss first game of season with lower-body injury
Before Sunday, Adam Edstrom had played in all 51 of the New York Rangers’ games in his first full NHL season. The 6-foot-6 Swedish forward has recorded nine points (five goals, four assists), 27 penalty minutes, and a minus-5 rating, averaging 9:16 of ice time. Notably, three of his five goals came this month, including the game-winner in the Rangers’ 6-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on January 23 at Madison Square Garden.
In 62 NHL games, Edstrom has 11 points (seven goals, four assists), 29 penalty minutes, and a minus-3 rating, averaging 9:07 of ice time.
Edstrom has developed into a defensively responsible fourth-line winger, known for his strong forechecking and presence in front of the opposing net. Despite having veteran players waiting for opportunities, coach Peter Laviolette has continued to trust the 24-year-old, who was selected by the Rangers in the sixth round (No. 161) of the 2019 NHL Draft. Along with center Sam Carrick and 6-foot-9 right wing Matt Rempe, Edstrom has made the most of his limited role.
Edstrom and Rempe made history on January 21, tying the NHL record set by Boston’s Zdeno Chara and Dougie Hamilton for the tallest duo to connect on a goal. Edstrom assisted on Rempe’s tally in a 5-0 victory against the Ottawa Senators.
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