Rangers announce crucial roster transaction ahead of facing Blackhawks Wednesday

That move comes just before Wednesday night's road date with the Chicago Blackhawks, as the Rangers try to preserve roster flexibility.

They lost a big, physical bottom-six piece-someone whose size, reach, and defensive willingness helped prowl the corners and add depth.

New York is already managing multiple absences. The decision reflects a broader strain on their forward depth and forces adjustments to their lineup as they travel to Chicago.

The timing could not be worse. With Edström out, the burden shifts onto others to deliver energy and defensive grit in the bottom six. On a night when depth matters against a gritty Blackhawks club, fans will watch closely to see who steps up.

Luckily for the New York Rangers, they have a red-hot Artemi Panarin, who's a former Blackhawk, and currently carrying their offense.

The Rangers still come in riding a solid run-they've scored points in four straight (2-0-2) and in seven of their last eight games (5-1-2).

That kind of momentum helps, but the loss of Edström removes a layer of structural depth beneath their top lines.

Chicago won't be a free ride. They're physical at home, and the Rangers can't afford a soft night from their bottom six. Whoever fills in for Edström needs to deliver in the corners, kill penalties, and drive possession. If they find that spark, New York could keep its roll going.

The bottom line: by putting Edström on LTIR, the Rangers accepted an immediate roster hit to maintain flexibility. It's a defensive-depth tradeoff, and Sunday night's result will reveal whether that gamble pays off on the ice.