### Rangers Face Major Setback with Injuries to Key Players The New York Rangers are grappling with significant challenges as they navigate the NHL season without two of their star players, defenseman Adam Fox and goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Both players have been placed on injured reserve due to lower-body injuries sustained during recent games. Fox is expected to miss at least 10 games as he has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), while Shesterkin's injury, although serious, is not anticipated to be long-term, according to early reports [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rangers-roster-move-igor-shesterkin-121500046.html][https://www.amny.com/sports/rangers-shesterkin-fox-injuries-1-7-26]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Injury Details**: - Adam Fox has been placed on LTIR, meaning he must miss a minimum of 10 games [https://apnews.com/article/adam-fox-igor-shesterkin-injury-38b1e8b78a5519c6da8f8fc7ff046eac]. - Igor Shesterkin has been placed on regular injured reserve after suffering a lower-body injury during a game against the Utah Mammoth [https://nypost.com/2026/01/06/sports/igor-shesterkin-headed-to-injured-reserve-in-telling-rangers-update]. 2. **Impact on Team Performance**: - The absence of both players is expected to significantly affect the Rangers' performance as they strive to remain competitive in the NHL playoff race [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rangers-lose-igor-shesterkin-adam-223040511.html]. - The team will need to adjust its lineup and strategies to cope with the loss of their starting goaltender and a key defenseman [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rangers-lineup-shakes-without-adam-205000299.html]. 3. **Future Outlook**: - While Shesterkin's injury is concerning, reports suggest that the Rangers may have avoided a worst-case scenario, which could allow for a quicker recovery [https://yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/rangers_g_igor_shesterkin_lands_on_ir_after_noncontact_injury/s1_17050_43296201]. - The team has recalled players from their AHL affiliate to fill the gaps left by the injured stars [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rangers-igor-shesterkin-ir-adam-215658744.html]. ### Summary of Findings **Key Conclusions**: 1. The New York Rangers are facing a critical period as they lose both Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin to injuries. 2. Adam Fox's long-term absence will require significant adjustments in the team's defensive strategy, while Shesterkin's injury, though serious, may not be as prolonged as initially feared. 3. The Rangers must quickly adapt to these changes to maintain their competitive edge in the league. **Supporting Evidence**: - Adam Fox is on LTIR, requiring a minimum of 10 games off [https://apnews.com/article/adam-fox-igor-shesterkin-injury-38b1e8b78a5519c6da8f8fc7ff046eac]. - Igor Shesterkin's injury occurred during a game, and he is on regular IR [https://nypost.com/2026/01/06/sports/igor-shesterkin-headed-to-injured-reserve-in-telling-rangers-update]. - The Rangers are making roster adjustments to cope with these injuries [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rangers-igor-shesterkin-ir-adam-215658744.html].