Motte has missed the Lightning's previous 10 games due to an upper-body injury and will be a game-time decision Monday vs. Toronto. The 28-year-old is in his eighth NHL season and has only appeared in one game in 2023-24 where he was forced to leave after just 7:55 TOI. He will take his spot back on the third line with Alex Barre-Boulet and Anthony Cirelli if he is to return Monday.
Motte is dealing with an upper-body injury that will keep him out of the lineup indefinitely after playing 7:55 in the season opener for the Lightning. Injuries have been a recurring theme in Motte's career as he has only played more than 62 games once in his seven-year career. Alex Barre-Boulet has been recalled and could fill in for Motte in the interim.
Motte had eight goals, 11 assists, 109 SOG, six PIMs, and a +3 plus/minus across 62 games played with Ottawa and the New York Rangers in 2022-23 and has signed a one-year deal worth $800,000. The 28-year-old center is joining his sixth NHL team after Tampa was able to sign him due to Josh Archibald's contract termination.
Motte was hit high by Auston Watson, who was given a game misconduct for the hit. Motte left the game, and the Rangers announced that he will not return.
Motte was dealt to New York for Julen Gautheir and a seventh-round pick Sunday and will make his Rangers' debut Monday. The 27-year-old had three goals, six assists, 65 SOG and four PIMs through 38 games with Ottawa prior to the deal.
Motte left the Senators' last game Monday after just sevens shifts and 6:38 TOI due to an upper-body injury and will be out for at least a week. The 27-year-old had two goals, eight points, and 52 SOG through 28 games prior to the injury and will hope to be back soon with Ottawa also losing Tim Stutzle Wednesday.
Motte suffered a significant upper-body injury vs. the Penguins on Thursday and will miss an extended period of time. The Rangers could not provide a timetable on his return.
Motte was acquired from the Canucks on Monday and will start on the Rangers' fourth line with Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves. Motte is a tenacious penalty killer and has tallied 15 points (7G / 8A) in 49 games this season.
Motte now joined Tucker Poolman, Luke Schenn, Brad Hunt and Juho Lammikko in protocol for the Canucks. On Saturday, they're scheduled to host the Maple Leafs, who have added four players to COVID-19 protocol in the last 24 hours.
