Here are the latest news and possible return dates for Rangers players…
Feb. 21, 2:05 p.m.
One of the four Rangers players who joined Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off didn’t leave the tournament unscathed. Vincent Trocheck broke a finger in the team’s loss to Sweden on Monday, according to multiple reports.
While the injury didn’t prevent Trocheck from playing in Team USA’s championship game loss to Canada on Thursday, he didn’t participate in the Rangers’ first practice back together on Friday.
The good news is that head coach Peter Laviolette expects the veteran center to suit up for Saturday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Trocheck, who hasn’t missed any action this season, is tied for third among Rangers in points (37). He’s logged 17 goals and 20 assists, along with 21:18 minutes of average ice time. He also ranks second on the team in total shots (142).
Jan. 14, 3:05 p.m.
The Rangers should receive a boost to their lineup on Tuesday night, as veteran winger Chris Kreider has been activated off injured reserve, according to the NHL Media site.
Kreider, who was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury on Jan. 7, missed only the league-minimum seven days while recovering.
While the Rangers were without him for three games, they managed to rack up five points and two wins.
It’s safe to assume the Rangers’ longest-tenured player will see ice time against the Colorado Avalanche, as he was seen participating in an optional skate late Tuesday morning. In 34 games this season, the 33-year-old has logged 13 goals and two assists with a plus-minus of minus-8.
Jan. 11, 4:15 p.m.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette confirmed that Filip Chytil will not play in Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
This will be the second consecutive game Chytil misses with what the team called an “upper-body injury.” Of course, Chytil has a history of concussions that derailed his 2023-24 season. He also missed seven games earlier this season when he had a collision in a November matchup with the San Jose Sharks.
In addition, Bo Grouix, who was brought up from the AHL for center depth, will not play in Saturday’s game.
Jan. 7, 10:05 p.m.
Chytil left Tuesday’s game against the Dallas Stars early with what the team is calling an “upper-body injury.”
Chytil, who has a history of concussions, missed the entire third period of Tuesday’s overtime loss to the Stars. After the game, coach Peter Laviolette told reporters that Chytil was being evaluated but didn’t offer further details, despite multiple questions regarding the center’s health.
