Adam Fox brings an Olympic-sized chip to Minnesota for a date with Bill Guerin

Adam Fox has appeared in eight games since returning from injured reserve, and the New York Rangers' franchise defender has picked up right where he left off. The team is buzzing, and after Fox beat Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for a goal on Thursday in Winnipeg, it's fair to say he might be eyeing Saturday as another potential revenge game.

The Minnesota Wild are run by Bill Guerin, the key Team USA decision-maker who was steadfast in his assertion that Fox wasn't "good enough" to compete for a medal. Team USA ultimately won gold against Canada, largely on the back of Hellebuyck who ironically looked pretty pedestrian vs. the Blueshirts, so Guerin likely feels his process was vindicated. But even if revenge isn't the primary motivator, Saturday is a perfect time for a check-in on a player whose Rangers future remains the biggest question mark on Broadway.

Fox’s presence on the power play looms large

Over the last eight games, the Blueshirts have converted on 7-of-21 power play attempts resulting in a scorching 33.33% efficiency rating. Fox has been the primary architect, factoring into three of those goals (one goal and two assists).

While Mika Zibanejad (five points) and Vincent Trocheck (four points) lead the man-advantage in scoring during this stretch, Fox’s three points put him right in the mix with the team's top producers that also include the likes of Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault.

Getting back to speed at even strength

Fox's numbers have also been dominant at even strength, even if he’s been a bit unlucky in the results department. In 152 minutes since his return, he’s rocking a 59.12 xGF% and a 55.84 CF%, though his 44.41 GF% suggests he’s been on the wrong side of some shooting variance. While the majority of his recent offense has come on the power play, he is controlling play in such a dominant manner that an even-strength point surge feels inevitable. In total, his four points have come over his last five games, so slowly but surely he's shaking the rust off.

The "What If" season

The Rangers have only had Fox for 38 of their 65 games this season, and his absence remains the ultimate "what if" of the year. In the 711 minutes he’s logged at 5v5, Fox leads all roster regulars with a 58.99 GF%, a 56.43 CF%, and a 58.8 xGF%. It is impossible to ignore how much of a difference-maker he is when healthy.

While Igor Shesterkin’s return to form has been a massive part of the Rangers' post-Olympic resurgence, Fox’s contributions are of equal importance. His play serves as a constant reminder of why the front office needs to prioritize rebuilding a seemingly fractured relationship. If the Rangers are going to convince Fox to stay long-term, they need to show him they can build a contender around his elite, albeit "unlucky," performance.