Rick Nash’s extended absence and NY Rangers’ silence could point to concussion or potential long-term injury for star winger
Rick Nash hasn’t practiced or played in eight days due to an undisclosed injury. He skipped last week’s Rangers road trip to Canada. But his absence from Monday morning’s practice in Greenburgh after a scheduled off-day raised the warning level to code red that his injury could be a concussion and therefore a long-term issue.
The 28-year-old forward is eligible to come off injured reserve for Tuesday’s home game against the Winnipeg Jets, just as fourth-liner Darroll Powe (concussion) did by practicing Monday following a three-game absence. But Nash not only wasn’t on the ice in Greenburgh; he was nowhere in sight.
“I haven’t looked for him today at all,” John Tortorella said when asked whether Nash were around. “I’m focusing on the guys on the ice. I have a lot of guys on the ice.”
At least defenseman Ryan McDonagh – who also did not practice Monday with an undisclosed injury – was seen receiving treatment from trainers at the team’s Greenburgh facility. The fact McDonagh flew home from Montreal Sunday morning was a good sign, as well, since athletes normally avoid flying if they’re experiencing concussion symptoms (read: Nash last week).