The NHL is officially back on Wednesday, but the New York Rangers return to action on Thursday when they host the rival Philadelphia Flyers. It's entirely possible that defenseman Adam Fox could return to game action for the first time since suffering an injury on Jan. 4.
Before being sidelined with his second injury, Fox was in the spotlight after he was left off the United States' Winter Olympics roster. It came as a shock considering he was named to Team USA's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Fox's performance in that mini tournament was criticized, especially after he allowed Connor McDavid to score the game-winning goal for Canada in overtime in the championship game.
The Athletic's Michael Russo wrote an article about the roster construction of Team USA between General Manager Bill Guerin and Head Coach Mike Sullivan (subscription required). When discussing the snubs like Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield, Russo brought up why Fox was left off the roster. The reality was, Team USA didn't feel Fox was a fit for the pace of the Olympics, due in part to his play in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
"The reality is, Fox, who is hurt, played himself off the Olympic team with his 4 Nations performance. The brass felt he couldn’t handle the pace, and it wasn’t just because of the mistakes he made before Connor McDavid’s overtime winner," writes Russo.
Team USA didn't feel Adam Fox was fit for Olympic roster
At the time when the initial roster was announced, Fox expressed his disappointment on missing the cut.
"Obviously, it's disappointing," Fox said, h/t NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "I thought I played as well as I think I could have and that decision comes out of your hands at a certain point. It is what it is. You just have to move on."
After the rosters were announced, Guerin was asked about the players that were left off the roster. When asked if Fox's play in the 4 Nations Face-Off contributed to the decision, Guerin downplayed it.
“Well, I think it’s exactly that: It’s perception,” Guerin said, h/t Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “And you know what? That’s for you guys to wrestle with and talk about. That’s not for us. If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must not think we’re very smart. Other than that, I’m going to keep those conversations private. Our decision was made, and we’re moving forward.”
There was a sliver of hope that Fox could find his way onto the roster due to the injury to Seth Jones in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2. But in reality, there was no certainty he'd be healthy enough to play in the Olympics due to his lower-body injury. Yet, as Russo's excerpt says, Fox was likely never making the roster if he were healthy.
In the 4 Nations Face-Off, Fox recorded zero points and a plus/minus rating of -2. He received his fair share of criticism for the defense he played on McDavid's goal in the championship game. Even so, Fox is an important piece on the Rangers roster, especially during his absence this year. While yes, he is far from the defender he was earlier in his career, which notched him a Norris Trophy, but he is still solid. Not to mention, Fox plays an important role as the point-man on the Rangers' power play.
In 30 games for the Rangers this season, Fox recorded four goals and 24 assists.
We'll have to wait and see when Fox will make his official return with the Rangers. While Team USA likely didn't feel he was a good enough piece for their roster, the Rangers desperately need him back in the lineup, especially if the team wants to stack some wins to avoid falling to last place in the entire league.