Rangers' Adam Edstrom makes return from second long-term injury in 10 months

Edstrom skated on the fourth line in his first game since suffering a lower-body injury in early December

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Adam Edstrom returned to the Rangers lineup for the first time in more than three months, after suffering his second long-term injury in the span of 10 months. Edstrom, a 6-foot-7 forward, was activated off injured reserve and skated on the fourth line in the Rangers' 6-2 win over the Maple Leafs.

Why it matters

Edstrom's return is a boost for the Rangers, who have dealt with a number of injuries this season. The team is hoping Edstrom can provide a physical presence and depth scoring as they push for a playoff spot.

The details

Edstrom sustained a lower-body injury in practice in early December, which led the Rangers to put him on long-term injured reserve. He missed 33 consecutive games before returning on Thursday. This was Edstrom's second long-term injury in 10 months, as he also missed the remainder of the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery to repair a different lower-body injury last February.

  • Edstrom suffered the latest lower-body injury in early December 2025.
  • Edstrom missed 33 consecutive games before returning on March 6, 2026.
  • Edstrom previously missed the remainder of the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery to repair a different lower-body injury in February 2025.

The players

Adam Edstrom

A 6-foot-7 forward for the New York Rangers who has dealt with multiple long-term injuries over the past year.

Jaroslav Chmelar

A Rangers forward who appeared in his first game since December 16.

Juuso Parssinen

A Rangers forward who appeared in his first NHL game since November 22 after dealing with a hand injury.

Igor Shesterkin

The Rangers' starting goaltender, who made 29 saves in the win over the Maple Leafs.

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What they’re saying

“So I've been going through some struggles. Just kind of something that blew up again in practice, so it was something that they just thought I should take care of now instead of keep on playing through it. It's always tough to miss time, but I feel way better now.”

— Adam Edstrom (New York Post)

“At the start, you can kind of tell that you missed some time. You always get a chance to come back in practice, but it's always a little different coming out there in a game situation. I feel like I worked my way into the game, kind of happy to get the first one out of the way and now I can just look forward.”

— Adam Edstrom (New York Post)

What’s next

The Rangers will continue to monitor Edstrom's progress as he works to regain his form and contribute to the team's playoff push.

The takeaway

Edstrom's return from his second long-term injury in 10 months is a positive sign for the Rangers, who are hoping the big forward can provide a physical presence and depth scoring down the stretch. The team's ability to manage Edstrom's health and keep him on the ice will be crucial as they aim to secure a playoff spot.