The Rangers got disappointing news on forward Adam Sykora today. They learned that Sykora will be out four to five months due to the lower-body injury he sustained in a preseason game versus the Devils on Monday.

“It’s real disappointing. I feel for him. He’s such a great kid. He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the rink. I thought he was having a real strong camp to this point. It’s disappointing, but he’ll get better, and we’ll do everything we can to help him get back in the most timely fashion. He’ll be back in the mix,” Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters.

Taken with the 63rd pick in the second round in 2022, Sykora showed some promise after coming up from Hartford last season. He fit in well on both the third and fourth line with Noah Laba as his center. In 11 games, he had three goals and an assist for four points. Aside from showing that he was capable of contributing, Sykora brought a lot of energy due to his skating and willingness to win puck battles in the corners. He didn’t shy away from finishing checks, recording 20 hits on a grind line with Laba and Jaroslav Chmelar.

Unfortunately, he has a long rehab ahead of him. Instead of possibly being one of the final roster cuts, the 22-year-old Sykora will hopefully be able to recover in time for a return at some point next year. If he progresses well, perhaps he can return by February. It’s too bad he’ll miss plenty of action due to the injury. He’ll have to work extra hard to get back. Hopefully, the organization makes sure he’s fully ready before having him play games.

Opportunity Knocks for Another Promising Player

With Sykora out for quite some time, that could open the door for another promising player to knock on the door in Hartford. Considering how Dylan Roobroeck, Liam Greentree, and Cole Beaudoin have looked so far in training camp,the Rangers have to like what they’ve seen from all three forwards.

Roobroeck projects as a fourth line pivot while Greentree has the highest upside. Beaudoin could one day become a gritty two-way center. We’ll learn a lot more about both Greentree and Beaudoin when they’re sent down to the Wolf Pack for their first pro season.

What to Expect Ahead

With only a few days left before camp concludes, here’s what to expect ahead. The early indication is that Alberts Smits will start the season with the Rangers. Assuming he does, that likely means Matthew Robertson is the only extra defenseman they carry.

The fourth line looks like it’ll consist of Joe Veleno, Tye Kartye and a rotation of Chmelar and Matt Rempe. If that’s what Sullivan decides, they’re very likely to keep three goalies for the beginning of the season. With Dylan Garand no longer waivers exempt, he’ll probably be kept along with veteran backup Joonas Korpisalo. Unless Korpisalo struggles when he appears either tomorrow or Friday, it’s going to be two goalies battling for playing time behind Igor Shesterkin.

Considering that the Sabres had some success doing it, at least there’s a precedent. The Devils seem to be taking the same approach with their three goalies on the opposite side of the Hudson. However, the biggest difference is that the Rangers boast one of the game’s best starters in Shesterkin. He’ll get most of the starts when there aren’t back-to-backs.

Having insurance in net isn’t the worst thing. By trading for Korpisalo, it allowed the Rangers to put Spencer Martin on waivers earlier today.

Sullivan Works With Penalty Killers

Unsurprisingly, a big focus at Wednesday’s practice was Sullivan working with the penalty killers. After giving up three power-play goals in a 4-3 loss to the Islanders, the Rangers could use some extra reps in that department. They gave the Islanders too much time and space to operate. Matthew Schaefer killed them with a power-play goal and two assists. His top heavy shot opened it up for Matias Maccelli to score twice, including a way too easy game-winner on a rebound with nobody even close.

With Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller taking power play reps, Sullivan went with a trio of penalty killing tandems. That included Laba and Will Cuylle working with Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi. Laba and Cuylle were fixtures last season while shorthanded. Tye Kartye teamed with Veleno and the defense pair was Vladislav Gavrikov and Braden Schneider. Taylor Raddysh and Eeli Tolvanen worked with Smits and Robertson.

Sullivan indicated that he wants to lessen the load on both Zibanejad and Miller. Considering all the other responsibilities they have, it makes sense. Both are in their thirties. With a longer 84-game schedule, it’s important for Sullivan to manage their minutes. It’s no secret that the Rangers need both centers to stay healthy and productive. We saw what happened to Miller last year when he played through a pair of injuries. It took him until March to resemble the player he was the previous season with both the Canucks and Rangers.

Much of what happens this season also depends on Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafreniere. They’re being counted on for consistent production. Perhaps that explains why the organization decided to wait before giving Perreault a contract extension. They want him to earn it. If he performs up to expectations, it’ll get done soon.