A super star was absent from the New York Rangers’ lineup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday due to a lower-body injury, which he sustained during a 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins the previous day.
Edstrom was forced to leave the Bruins game after only six shifts, including just two in the second period, totaling 4:22 of ice time. His final shift ended at the 7:51 mark of the middle frame. “He’s out tonight,” Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette said before Sunday’s game. “He’s still being evaluated.”
Jimmy Vesey, who had publicly expressed frustration over his lack of playing time on Friday, stepped in for Edstrom on the fourth line. Arthur Kaliyev, who was also scratched for the Bruins game, was once again left out of the lineup.
Edstrom’s absence marked his first missed game of the season. Prior to Sunday, he had appeared in all 51 of the Rangers’ games during his first full NHL season. The 6-foot-6 Swedish forward has recorded nine points (five goals, four assists), 27 penalty minutes, and a minus-5 rating while averaging 9:16 of ice time. Three of his goals have come in January, including a game-winner in a 6-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on January 23.
Known for his reliable defensive play on the fourth line, Edstrom has become a key forechecker and presence in front of the opposing net. Despite competition from veteran players, Laviolette has continued to trust the 24-year-old, who was drafted by the Rangers in the sixth round (161st overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. Edstrom, along with center Sam Carrick and the 6-foot-9 Matt Rempe, has been effective in his limited role.
In fact, Edstrom and Rempe made history on January 21, when they tied the NHL record for the tallest duo to assist on a goal, a feat previously set by Boston’s Zdeno Chara and Dougie Hamilton. Edstrom set up Rempe’s goal during a 5-0 win against the Ottawa Senators.
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