Adam Fox, the star defenseman for the New York Rangers, has had quite the journey this season. After winning the Norris Trophy last year and finishing as a runner-up in the balloting the year before, Fox faced a challenging beginning to the current season. In November, he suffered a leg-on-leg hit from Carolina’s Sebastian Aho, causing him to be sidelined for 10 games. This setback caused Fox to fall out of the conversation for this year’s Norris Trophy.
Despite starting the season playing the best hockey of his career, Fox struggled upon his return to the ice. He appeared hesitant, slow to pucks, and had difficulty with decision-making and positioning. The 10 games he missed felt like an eternity, and nothing came easy to him. For the first time since his NHL debut in 2019, Fox seemed human and almost ordinary.
However, the league had its chance to capitalize on Fox’s struggles. During the months leading up to the all-star break, Fox worked hard to regain his feel, touch, and instincts. The Rangers went 25-7-1 after the break, and Fox proved instrumental in their success. He was on for 32 goals for and 18 against, ranking sixth in the league among defensemen playing at least 500 minutes. The question now is whether his improved performance is the cause or effect of the team’s success.
As the Rangers enter the first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals, Fox is at the top of his game. He has added physicality to his repertoire without sacrificing any of his world-class creativity and vision. Fox plays with an edge and decisiveness that has elevated his value on the ice.
In an interview, Fox discussed his return from injury and how he regained his rhythm. He mentioned that finding his groove was a gradual process, but it began to turn around coming out of the all-star break. He finished the season with personal-best numbers, scoring 17 goals and racking up 73 points in 72 games. His shooting percentage also increased significantly, showcasing his ability to shoot from high-danger areas.
Despite his listed size of 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, Fox has ramped up his effectiveness and physicality at the defensive end of the ice. Head coach Peter Laviolette praised Fox’s edge, emphasizing that it’s about more than delivering big hits. It’s about winning puck battles, quickness, and the fight inside those battles. Laviolette commended Fox’s decisiveness on both offense and defense.
Fox has formed a strong defensive pair with Ryan Lindgren, with whom he played on Team USA’s U17 squad nine years ago. The duo has a 66.67 percent goal-share after the all-star break, highlighting their chemistry and effectiveness on the ice. They will face a tough challenge against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in the first round of the playoffs.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Fox feels more rested after missing those 10 games earlier in the season. He believes this is the best he’s felt personally going into the playoffs and is excited about what lies ahead. The team is well-prepared for the challenges they will face.
Adam Fox has truly turned his season around and is now at the top of his game. His performance and impact on the ice have been exceptional, making him a top contender for both the Norris Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs.
