Adam Fox returns to practice, expected to play Wednesday

Per Mollie Walker, the best defenseman in the NHL is gearing up to return on Wednesday, as Adam Fox returns to practice in full today. The Rangers have been without Fox since a knee-on-knee “accidental” hit against Carolina. Fox was first eligible to return Wednesday, and he looks on track.

It’s amazing how lineup depth can manage significant injuries, and Erik Gustafsson has been magnificent on the top pair with Fox out. He’s really stepped it up and has shown to be perhaps the best bargain of the offseason.

Zac Jones has also shown improvement as he continues to play and learn under Phil Housley. He’s not perfect, but as a young defenseman learning the game, he’s been good enough and steadily improving. He’s not going to be a Ryan Lindgren back there, but if he can get to K’Andre Miller as his ceiling, that’s just fine.