Rangers Get Key Lineup Boosts with Shesterkin, Fox Returns

Goaltender and defenseman back after missing time due to injuries

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:21pm

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The New York Rangers will welcome back star goaltender Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox when they resume play after the Olympic break. Both players have been sidelined with lower-body injuries, with Shesterkin last playing on January 5 and Fox also exiting that game. The Rangers struggled in their absence, going 2-11 during that stretch. Conor Sheary will also return to the lineup after missing time with his own lower-body injury.

Why it matters

Shesterkin and Fox are two of the Rangers' most important players, with Shesterkin being an elite goaltender and Fox the reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's best defenseman. Their returns should provide a major boost to the Rangers as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the second half of the season.

The details

Shesterkin had a .913 save percentage and 2.45 goals against average before his injury, while Fox has 28 points in 38 games this season. The Rangers had to rely on Jonathan Quick in net and shuffle their power play without Fox during their recent struggles. Head coach Mike Sullivan said getting the two stars back is a "huge boost" for the team's confidence.

  • Shesterkin and Fox last played on January 5.
  • Shesterkin and Fox will return for the Rangers' game on Thursday, February 26.

The players

Igor Shesterkin

The Rangers' starting goaltender, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since January 5.

Adam Fox

The Rangers' star defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner, who has also been out with a lower-body injury since January 5.

Conor Sheary

A Rangers forward who has been out with a lower-body injury since December 31.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers.

Jonathan Quick

The goaltender who had to start in place of the injured Igor Shesterkin.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's a huge boost. These guys, the caliber of player that they are, it's hard to replace those guys — as we know. So when you get two elite players back in the lineup like that, I think it gives a huge boost of confidence to the whole group.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will face the Flyers at home on Thursday, February 26 in their first game back from the Olympic break.

The takeaway

The returns of Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox are crucial for the Rangers as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the second half of the season. Their presence should provide a major boost to the team's confidence and performance after the Rangers struggled in their absence.