NHL: New York Rangers Injury Report, and Brad Richards Rumors

A lot going on with the Rangers as they get set for their home opener on Friday, and here is some of the news.

Chris Drury

The Rangers captain Chris Drury may be set to make his 2010-11 season debut on Friday night. Drury has been out since Sept. 20 with a broken finger, and he missed all of training camp, preseason, and the first two regular season games. Where he stands in the lineup depends on the next guy I am going to talk about.

Erik Christensen

Christensen left yesterday's game early in the third period after being slashed in the leg by an Islander. He did not return to the game, and news came out this afternoon that he is day-to-day with a right leg tweak (according to Steve Zipay of Newsday).

If Christensen is unable to play Friday night, Chris Drury may take his spot on the first line. Another possibility is Chris Drury takes Derek Stepan's spot, and Stepan plays on the first line between Marian Gaborik and Alexander Frolov. It may be a game time decision.

Vinny Prospal

The veteran forward is not expected back anytime soon, and John Tortorella has said the injury may take a while to heal.

Tim Kennedy and Todd White

If Drury returns Friday, and Christensen is not placed on the IR, one of Tim Kennedy or Todd White must be assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack to make roster space. If this has to take place, my guess is Todd White gets sent down to Hartford, being that Tim Kennedy is younger and of more use to the Rangers.

Brad Richards

According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, the New York Rangers are interested in Brad Richards, and expected to attempt a trade for him sometime this season. It is no secret that Glen Sather, the Rangers general manager, covets the veteran center, and he would love to acquire him. Brooks also states that the Rangers may try to lock him up to a long-term deal if they are able to acquire him.

That's all for now.