Is something up with Adam Fox?

The Rangers are off to a disappointing start this season, with several players falling short of expectations, putting it lightly. Among them is Adam Fox who, while still contributing, hasn’t quite lived up to his usual standards. This isn’t a critique suggesting he should be off the team, but rather an observation that his performance feels underwhelming compared to his established level of play.

To be clear, Fox hasn’t been a non-factor. His 25 points so far this season tie him with Victor Hedman and Shayne Gostisbehere for fifth among NHL defensemen. Coincidentally, through the first 28 games last season and this season, Fox has posted the same total of 25 points. However, there’s a noticeable difference in his goal-scoring—he had four goals by this point last year, while his tally for the current campaign only began Wednesday night against the Sabres. Not quite the Adam Fox the Rangers need right now.

That goal, a heads-up play off a defensive-zone faceoff win by Vincent Trocheck, gave the Rangers a crucial 3-1 lead. It proved to be pivotal, as Buffalo’s Tage Thompson cut the margin to one with just 37.7 seconds remaining. Despite this bright moment, questions linger about Adam Fox’s form. Is he simply underperforming, or is he caught up in the general malaise that seems to have settled over the team?

Fox’s recent injury history might offer some clues. Last season, he suffered two significant knee injuries—one against Sebastian Aho and the Hurricanes, and another in the playoffs against Nicklas Jensen of the Capitals. Since then, Fox has appeared less mobile and less dynamic on defense, leading to speculation about whether those injuries continue to impact his play.

Another factor could be his pairing with Ryan Lindgren, whose performance has noticeably declined as the season progresses. This partnership might be hampering Fox’s ability to shine. He seems less engaged, less impactful on the power play, and generally lacking the mobility and energy that once defined his game.

Despite his continued contributions, something feels off with Fox this season. Whether it’s lingering effects from past injuries, regression, or simply a reflection of the team’s broader struggles, fans are left hoping he can rediscover the form that made him such a key player.