The New York Rangers have had their ups and downs to start off the 2025-26 season. Even with the highs and lows, the Rangers still find themselves in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. But given their roster construction, they could not afford to deal with any injuries to their major stars. The Rangers did have to deal with just that.
Back on Nov. 29, Rangers assistant captain and top defenseman Adam Fox suffered an upper body injury after a shoulder-to-shoulder check on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel. He has been sidelined ever since. But this past weekend, Fox participated fully in practice. Now it appears Fox is close to his return.
While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan announced that Fox is officially a game-time decision for the team's game against the Washington Capitals. If cleared to play, this will be Fox's return after a 14-game absence.
Adam Fox is expected to be a game-time decision tomorrow vs. Capitals, per #NYR head coach Mike Sullivan.
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) December 30, 2025
Mike Sullivan declares Adam Fox a game-time decision for Rangers in Dec. 31 game vs. Capitals
This is great news for the Rangers. When Fox is healthy and on the ice, they are a better hockey team. It certainly would help their chances of winning against a Capitals team that hold the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference entering Tuesday.
A return felt inevitable. Not only did Fox participate in practice this past Saturday, but also on Tuesday. Tom Gulitti of NHL.com noted that Fox took regular reps and was the point-man for the Rangers' first power play unit during the practice. That is a good sign for Fox's status. But it doesn't mean that he will be officially ready to go for their game against the Capitals. If not then, perhaps for their following game, the 2026 Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers on Friday.
Fox was productive early on this season, as he was nearly a point-a-game player, which is not necessarily a surprise. Fox is a facilitator, particularly on the top power play unit. Through 27 games, Fox scored three goals and recorded 23 assists.
The timing of Fox's impending return does add more intrigue. Let's not forget that Team USA is set to unveil their official roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, Jan. 2, at 8:00 a.m. ET on NBC's TODAY Show. Fox most recently suited up for them in the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. Not to mention, Sullivan is the head coach of Team USA. Does his return secure his spot on the roster? Or does Sullivan have a difficult decision to make?
The Rangers could get a boost in the coming days, possible as soon as Wednesday, with Fox's return.