Rangers Waive Martin, Sykora to Miss 4-5 Months with Injury
Two more dominos of the Rangers' preseason fall with Sykora injured and Martin being placed on waivers.
The New York Rangers have made more roster decisions this afternoon, as they have placed goaltender Spencer Martin on waivers with intention of assigning him to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Martin appeared in 22 games with the Pack last season and started six games with the Rangers while Igor Shesterkin was out with injury. He played the third period of Tuesday night's exhibition game against the New York Islanders and allowed two goals on eight shots faced.
Goalies among a large number of players on NHL waivers today: Pheonix Copley (CBJ), Jaxson Stauber (UTA), Spencer Martin (NYR), Taylor Gauthier (PIT) and Jonas Johansson (TB)
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 23, 2026
Additionally, after leaving the ice midway through the first period of the first preseason game, it has been reported that Adam Sykora will miss the next 4-5 months with what is being labeled a lower-body injury. Vincent Iorio, who also left Monday night's game early, is being listed as day-to-day.
Tough break for Adam Sýkora: #NYR say he’ll be out 4-5 months with that lower-body injury.
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 23, 2026
Sykora saw just 2:49 minutes of ice time across four shifts on Monday night. He was credited with one blocked shot prior to the hit he took from Mikael Diotte.
Adam Sýkora looks like he hurt his right knee affter this hit. #NYR pic.twitter.com/Mzg0ymfjLG
— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) September 21, 2026
The 63rd overall pick from the Rangers in the second round of the 2022 draft was on the outside looking in on an opening night roster spot. While he was great for the Rangers down the stretch last season, scoring three goals and an assist for four points in 11 games, there is just too much competition for jobs in the Rangers’ bottom six. Given how things have looked, he would have to beat out Taylor Raddysh, Matt Rempe, and Jaroslav Chmelar in order to earn a spot on the fourth line.
The injury is just as brutal a blow for Sykora as it is for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Sykora has spent the last three seasons in Hartford and is coming off a 24 point season in 62 games played with the Pack in 2025-26. While his chances of making the Rangers were slim, he was expected to be an important piece to an improved Wolf Pack roster this coming season. Here's what Mike Sullivan had to say about Sykora's injury:
#NYR coach Mike Sullivan on the Sýkora injury:
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 23, 2026
"It's real disappointing. I feel for him. He's such a great kid. He brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the rink. I thought he was having a real strong camp to this point. It's disappointing, but he'll get better, and we'll do… https://t.co/QvxBGUe1mS
We wish Sykora a healthy and speedy recovery. As for the Rangers, they will be back at it tomorrow night when they host the New Jersey Devils for game three of the preseason.
