Josh Jooris Suffers a Separated Shoulder, Out Indefinitely
The Rangers 4th Line winger left tonight's game early, and now we know why.
During the first period of the Rangers' 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins, Josh Jooris suffered what was then-labeled an "upper body injury" by the team, and would not return to the bench once the teams emerged from the locker room to begin the 2nd Period:
UPDATE: Josh Jooris will not return due to upper-body injury. #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 27, 2016
After the game, Alain Vigneault revealed what Jooris specifically injured, and the severity of the injury:
In regard to Josh Jooris' separated shoulder (out indefinitely), #NYR HC Alain Vigneault indicated that Jooris is likely to go on the IR.
— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) October 27, 2016
While losing a quality player like Jooris will hurt the Rangers, especially on the defensive side of the puck, Jooris was in line to lose his lineup spot and possibly even his NHL roster spot as the team inches closer to full health. Pavel Buchnevich is progressing well and will make the trip to Raleigh with the team on Friday, while Chris Kreider remains day-to-day and should be back soon. With the recent play of Brandon Pirri, Jooris was looking to be the odd man out as soon as one of them returned, much less once they're both back in action.
While having a player go down to injury is never a positive, there is something beneficial to come out of the situation. With Jooris likely headed to the Injured Reserve, it allows the Rangers to remain at 23 players on the active roster, which gives them more time to ponder a decision on what to do with either Dylan McIlrath or Adam Clendening. We wish Jooris a speedy recovery, and hope to see him back in action as soon as possible.