The New York Rangers gave fans an unexpected injury scare during Sunday’s practice session ahead of their upcoming clash against the Edmonton Oilers. Star winger Pavel Dorofeyev abruptly left the ice early, immediately raising concern around the team’s top-six forward group.
According to NewsdaySports beat reporter Colin Stephenson, the Rangers announced that Dorofeyev was removed from practice strictly for precautionary reasons. Notably, the team did not specify an upper or lower-body injury, leaving his availability for New York’s next contest vs Oilers uncertain.
With the Rangers riding strong momentum following their recent Western Canadian road trip, head coach Mike Sullivan will closely monitor his winger’s status. Losing a premier scoring threat for any stretch would test New York’s offensive depth.
Dorofeyev is a big part of this NY Rangers roster
Since arriving via a blockbuster draft-day trade from Vegas and signing a seven-year, $77 million extension, Dorofeyev has anchored New York’s top-six attack. Skating primarily alongside center JT Miller on the second line and working the top power-play unit, he provides essential finishing touch.
After a brief adjustment period in October, the 26-year-old sniper has caught fire over his recent outings. He enters the week with six goals and 11 points across his first 18 appearances, driving possession with a team-best 60.3% Corsi-for.
Rangers depth chart if Dorofeyev ends up missing time
If Dorofeyev is forced to sit out, veteran winger Oliver Bjorkstrand represents the most logical candidate to jump into his second-line right-wing spot. Meanwhile, extra forward Matt Rempe or Luke Glendening could draw back into the bottom six to round out the lineup:
- Line 1: Gabriel Perreault – Mika Zibanejad – Alexis Lafrenière
- Line 2: Tye Kartye – J.T. Miller – Oliver Bjorkstrand
- Line 3: Will Cuylle – Noah Laba – Eeli Tolvanen
- Line 4: Matt Rempe – Glenn Gawdin – Jaroslav Chmelař
Key takeaways
- Pavel Dorofeyev abruptly left Sunday’s practice early ahead of the Rangers’ clash against Edmonton.
- The New York Rangers removed Pavel Dorofeyev from practice strictly for precautionary reasons.
- Pavel Dorofeyev has recorded six goals and 11 points across his first 18 appearances.
