The New York Rangers are exploring multiple avenues as they try to fill the significant gap left by Adam Fox on the power play. The veteran defenseman was placed on long term injured reserve on November 30 after suffering an upper body setback. His last appearance came late in a 4 to 1 defeat to the Tampa Bay Lightning the night before his placement on the list.
There is still no official estimate for Fox’s return. What is certain is that he will miss at least ten games and potentially more. Despite the uncertainty, ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan noted that the injury is not expected to interfere with Fox’s ability to play for Team USA in the February Olympics.
While the Rangers do not anticipate losing Fox for the remainder of the season, the front office is nonetheless exploring trade possibilities. Elliotte Friedman recently linked New York to a potential move centered on an AHL defenseman. On December 5, he reported that the Rangers are looking into reuniting with Erik Gustafsson, who is currently playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.
“I’ve heard the Rangers, with Adam Fox being out, they’re looking to see if there’s something they can find for a power play quarterback,” Friedman explained on his 32 Thoughts podcast. “I do think they are looking for somebody out there. And one of the names I’ve kind of heard thrown around is Erik Gustafsson, which would make some sense.”
New York Rangers are Very Familiar with Erik Gustafsson
Gustafsson is not an unfamiliar option for New York. During the 2023 to 24 season, he logged 25 assists and 31 total points in 76 games with the Rangers. His value on the man advantage was clear as nine of his assists came on the power play. Throughout his NHL career, more than one third of his assists have been produced while his team was up a skater.
His return would also give general manager Chris Drury a player already comfortable in the locker room. During his previous stint with the Rangers, Gustafsson skated alongside many of the team’s core players including Fox, Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad.
The need for help on the power play is evident. Since Fox’s injury, New York has failed to convert on six consecutive opportunities. Overall, the Rangers sit in the middle tier of the league at fourteenth with a success rate of 19.4 percent. Their volume is not ideal either, as their 13 power play goals rank tied for twenty third across the NHL.
Fans Would Seemingly Rather See Prospect Given Chance as Power Play Quarterback
While Drury may view Gustafsson as a steady veteran presence capable of stabilizing the top unit, Rangers fans are not unanimously aligned with that idea. Many supporters voiced their frustration on social media, calling the potential move underwhelming and insisting that the team should look internally rather than turning to an AHL player.
One name repeatedly highlighted by fans is young defenseman Scott Morrow. He was brought to the organization in the trade that sent K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes and quickly established himself as a promising offensive blueliner during his time with the Chicago Wolves. However, he has not yet translated that success to the NHL level.
Morrow has managed only one point in six games with the Rangers this season. After being reassigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, he has three points in twelve appearances. For now, it appears head coach Mike Sullivan is hesitant to hand significant power play responsibilities to the 23 year old, even with Fox sidelined.