New York Rangers News: Ryan McDonagh to miss 3-4 weeks, no timetable yet for Kevin Klein; Stepan out tomorrow
Alain Vigneault addressed the media on Sunday, and provided updates on Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Klein, and Derek Stepan.
Late last season, Ryan McDonagh was crunched by Alexandre Burrows in a regular season a game, a hit that separated McDonagh's left shoulder, and caused him to miss the end of the season and beginning of the playoffs.
On Saturday night against the Jets, McDonagh re-injured the same shoulder, again separating it after a big hit from Evander Kane. And on Sunday, Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault provided an update on the Blueshirts' captain.
Vigneault says 3-4 weeks for McDonagh. That's their hope for now. And not sure yet on Klein's timetable. Still some swelling
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) November 2, 2014 As was the case late last season, it sounds like the Rangers may have dodged a bullet with McDonagh in terms of the severity of the injury.
AV said McDonagh's shoulder not as bad as feared. Hoping in the three-week range.
— Rangers Report (@rangersreport) November 2, 2014 During his media availability, Vigneault also said the Derek Stepan will not be back tomorrow, while all indications are that Stepan should make his season debut soon.
AV rules out Derek Stepan for tomorrow night. Not a surprise at all considering he hasn't had a contact practice yet.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) November 2, 2014 It's tough to know how exactly the team will proceed, especially without a more definitive update on Kevin Klein. They may have to wait until the swelling subsides to get a more conclusive diagnosis, and a subsequent plan of action.
What does seem like a foregone conclusion is the team will be bringing up at least one defenseman from Hartford, although due to cap restrictions, a transaction can't come until after 5 p.m.
Sounds as if Rangers want to recall McIlrath and Allen, but there are bonus issues against the cap. AV said callups have to be after 5 p.m.
— Rangers Report (@rangersreport) November 2, 2014 Hartford is scheduled to play Worcester at home today at 3 p.m. If Dylan McIlrath or Conor Allen is held out of this contest, it will be a pretty clear indication of a forthcoming move. Rookie Mat Bodie is probably another player who will be considered to get recalled.
Talbot in tomorrow, Boyle getting closer
Aside from all the injury and roster updates, Vigneault also confirmed that Cam Talbot will be in goal tomorrow night versus St. Louis, in what will be his second start of the season. Talbot last appeared in action October 12 when he relieved Henrik Ludnqvist against the Maple Leafs.
Dan Boyle is also getting closer, although he's not in the same 'day-to-day' category as Stepan. Boyle has been doing more on-ice work lately though, and it appears as if he'll return to action on the shorter end of his original timetable.
#Rangers Dan Boyle, who's missed around three weeks, says he thinks it'll be closer to four weeks than six weeks. That was orig. timetable.
— Seth Rothman (@RothmanHockey) November 2, 2014
