New York Rangers' Jimmy Vesey Injury Creates Opportunity for Adam Edstrom and Jonny Brodzinski – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are without a key defenseman as Ryan Lindgren has a groin injury. Now, reliable forward Jimmy Vesey is expected to miss several weeks with a lower body injury. The defender is coming off a strong season in the bottom six so will be missed but injuries create opportunities for Jonny Brodzinski and Adam Edstrom.

What Jonny Brodzinski brings to Rangers

Brodzinski is entering his fifth season with the Rangers organization despite spending most of his first three seasons with them with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL.) He was dominant in the AHL but struggled in the NHL and had three goals and two assists in 44 games over his seasons. the first three with the Blueshirts.

Last season, Brodzinski continued his impressive performance with the Wolf Pack and had 11 goals and 14 assists in 16 games. Rangers forwards Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko both missed significant time with injuries last season, and Brodzinski got another shot at the NHL.

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Brodzinski is a fast skater and was able to quickly get into the groove. Unlike previous seasons, he also contributed offensively in a sub-six role. In his first seven games, he had five assists and a goal in a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Dec. 10. He spent some time playing in the center but was used mostly as a winger. He finished the regular season with six goals and 13 assists in 57 games and earned a one-way, two-season contract.

While Brodzinski brings NHL experience and speed to the lineup, he is not a physical player and only had 34 hits last season. However, neither is Vesey and he has proven to be a valuable fourth line. Rangers are expected to have a few fourth-team players in the line-up in Matt Rempe and Sam Carrick and the hope is that Brodzinski may add more goals to the fourth line.

Brodzinski should be able to provide reliable play for the Rangers on and off the puck. On the offensive end, he has an impressive wrist shot and a shot-first mentality that can help create rebounds for his teammates. He may not be playing but he did a great job when he got the chance to stay on the roster last season.

What Adam Edstrom brings to the Rangers

The Rangers drafted Edstrom in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and he spent the next four seasons playing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL.) He had nine goals and 10 assists in 42 games for Rogle BK in 2022-23.

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Last season, Edstrom started the season with the Wolf Pack and played well defensively while showing that he can contribute offensively. He had 11 goals and five assists in 40 games while playing with physicality and grit.

The Rangers called up Edstrom and he scored his first NHL goal in his first game, a 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 15. He returned to the Wolf Pack but got another shot with the Blueshirts in February. He looked comfortable playing in the NHL, using his 6-foot-7 frame to his advantage and making a difference on the forehead. He finished the season with two goals, 30 hits, and just two penalty minutes in 11 games.

Edstrom has been reliable defensively for the Rangers and has the tools to be a good penalty killer. While Rempe made a name for himself with big hits last season, Edstrom was also working quietly, and never left the penalty box. The Swedish striker can play in the middle, although he played for Rangers last season. He gives the team a strong defensive game, but he also drives to the net and can penetrate offensively.

Guardians' Resolution

Edstrom is 23 years old and looks better than Brodzinski, who is 31 years old. However, the veteran was signed to one contract and Edstrom was signed to an entry-level contract and could be sent to the Wolf Pack. Both players should be able to give the Rangers steady play on the fourth line and this is a great opportunity for both to prove they belong.