Adam Sýkora injury timeline delivers a crushing blow to Rangers forward depth

Adam Sykora has been a sparkplug a bright spot since joining the New York Rangers, and unfortunately he will be away for the next four to five months after suffering a lower-body injury during the team's preseason opener against New Jersey.

During the first period Sýkora took a hit from Mikael Diotte, and the momentum sent him toward the boards and his leg went into the boards awkwardly.

Sýkora was on verge of competeting for an NHL roster spot

What is most disapointing about this news, aside from not have a player with his energy around the organization, is that he's gotten better over each of the past few seasons. The Rangers are a team that needs all the help it can gets, and contributions from unexpected sources like Sýkora are important.

Alberts Smits is 18 and trying to make the NHL this year, and that would be a significant achievement. Sýkora made the AHL at that age, and had an impressive rookie season in which he tallied 23 points in 66 games which is no small feat. His sophomore season saw him finish with 30 points in 71 games, and his most recent campaign included 29 points in 62 games before receiving an NHL stint with the varsity squad.

This year was set to be another important development year for the newly turned 22 year old, and instead he will now need to recover from his injury and hopefully be able to make a full recover and return to action in February or March.

Injury opens up opportunity for other skaters

With Sýkora now off the depth chart for the foreseeable future, there's bound to be opportunities for other youngsters in the organization. Jaroslav Chmelař's odds of being on the NHL roster certainly have increased, although the way he's been used thus far suggests that he was already going to be in the mix.

It is possible now that Cole Beaudoin could get some run sooner rather than later, although I think it will be a winger that's more likely to benefit from this new opening. Liam Greentree is expected to occupy a top-six role with the Hartford Wolf Pack, and prior to this injury Sýkora was in line to be the first man up. Greentree's best fit would be for a spot in the top six, but if an opportunity were to open on the main roster, there's a chance he could now be considered even if it is for third line duty.

Brody Lamb is another name that could get into the mix sooner, although this will be his first full season in the NHL. Lamb finished a successful NCAA career this past spring, and he joined the Wolf Pack for 15 games during which he scored four goals, and added five assists for nine points. He's another high-energy player with upside, and could have an easier route to the NHL with one less forward to compete with.

The last name of note is Dylan Roobroeck, and he's the most experienced name with a chance to capitalize. He turned 22 in July and is a 6'7" and 205 pound forward that moves well for his size. He scored 20 goals as a rookie in the AHL and added 14 assists for 34 points, and followed that up last year with 26 points. He wasn't as sound defensively last year, or as disciplined, and Roobroeck is someone who stands to benefit from the coaching overhaul in Hartford.

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