Top star appeared at the New York Rangers’ break-up day with his right arm in a sling and provided an explanation for the injury.
The 23-year-old defenseman had been dealing with a torn labrum for two years and chose to undergo surgery after the Rangers were eliminated from playoff contention. He missed the final two games of the regular season, marking the only games he didn’t play in during the 2024-25 campaign.
“They told me I could play through it for the rest of my career, but it would risk other complications down the road, and it would be tougher to manage later on,” Schneider explained. “So, I felt like it had to be done now, and it’ll be better for me in the long run.”
Although veteran star managed the injury for two seasons, he admitted it affected his physical play at times.
“One thing I really take pride in is being a physical player, and there were moments when I’d aggravate the injury and have stretches where I couldn’t play as physically as I wanted to,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to get it fixed. I didn’t want to keep dealing with that. My puck-handling and shooting were fine, but the injury was always on my mind, and it needed to be addressed.”
Schneider is confident he’ll be fully ready for training camp in the fall. This season, he set new NHL career highs with six goals, 15 assists, and 21 points. He finished the season strong, scoring three goals and adding seven points in his final 17 games, highlighted by a thrilling overtime game-winner against the Minnesota Wild on March 13.
“I’m confident I’ll be ready for training camp and healthier than I’ve ever been,” he said.
Adam Edstrom explains reason behind absence from Rangers lineup
Adam Edstrom spoke with reporters on break-up day for the first time since he suffered a lower-body injury on February 1 against the Boston Bruins. He shared that he underwent surgery for the injury and has now resumed skating. Edstrom mentioned that if the Rangers had made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he likely would’ve been available to play at some point this spring.
“It’s tough. I really thought we were starting to click toward the end — me, ‘Remps,’ and [Sam] Carrick — we had found a good rhythm on the fourth line, so it’s always hard to miss time. But it’s one of those things; it happens, it’s part of the game,” Edstrom said. “I’m just excited to get back.”
The 6-foot-7 forward played in the first 51 games of the season before the injury, recording five goals and nine points as a regular on the fourth line. He also played an important role on the penalty kill and even had the first fight of his career.
“I’m proud of the season I had. I’m proud of coming into camp, making the team, and playing every game before I got injured,” said the 24-year-old Edstrom.
In addition, Chris Kreider shared that he may require surgery on his left hand, which he injured during a game against the Buffalo Sabres on February 22. Despite the injury, the 33-year-old continued to play. Kreider also revealed that he dealt with an illness that caused vertigo at one point during the season, in addition to a back issue.