Difficult Conversations Ahead – Insider shares the latest news on Adam Fox’s future in New York

Adam Fox turned heads in the hockey world with commentary after his first game back from injury last week. When asked about his future with the New York Rangers, the star defenseman was rather non-committal, saying it’s a conversation for when the season is over.

These questions emerged amid reports of Fox’s somewhat strained relationship with HC Mike Sullivan and GM Chris Drury, combined with Drury sending a reassignment letter while out of the lineup.

While no one expects Fox to be on his way before the March 6 trade deadline, things are clearly not sitting well for him, so those tough talks are sure to come. With so much surrounding the situation, Rangers insider Vince Z. Mercogliano detailed the latest news in a recent article for The Athletic.

Mercogliano wrote:

As Fox insinuated with Thursday’s comments, tough talks are coming. There have already been several meetings between Fox and Drury in recent weeks, according to one league source, but Fox wants to see how Drury handles the coming months and assess the state of the roster this summer before making a full-throated commitment to stick it out, according to another league source. That’s not to say he’s unwilling to endure a transition period, but he’s looking for evidence that the Rangers have a way out. of this self-inflicted mess,”

Fox, 28, is in year four of the seven-year, $66.5 million extension he signed with the Rangers in 2021. He has been productive in limited action this season, producing 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in just 32 games played.

Between inconsistent play, problems at the 4 Nations, missing the Olympics and injuries, it has been a frustrating few years for Fox, to say the least. That said, he is still in the prime of his career and has proven to be a top five defenseman in the league throughout his play. Therefore, if the Rangers were to acquire him, there would be no shortage of interest.

As Mercogliano noted, Fox’s future in New York will ultimately come down to the bigger picture in New York: Are the Rangers really focusing on their core — him, Igor Shesterkin, JT Miller and Mika Zibanejad — getting back into contention as quickly as possible? Or have things deteriorated so much that that reality is no longer even possible and a full reconstruction is on the way?

That will be the deciding factor for Fox. Given what Drury has done in recent years, however, it’s hard for fans or players to have much confidence that a quick turnaround is in store. As a result, this is a situation worth keeping a close eye on as the offseason approaches.

Next: The Bruins have targeted two Canucks on their trade board