New York Rangers News

It's unclear what is ailing Smith but he will not be available for Thursday's game in Buffalo. Expect Nic Roy or Evgenii Dadonov to move back into the top-6 with Smith out.

A bug appears to be going around the Devils room, Pavel Zacha missed their last game with a non-COVID illness and now it looks like Vesey may not be available on Sunday. He missed Saturday's practice, so monitor his status as the Devils hit the ice for warmups at 12:30 PM ET.

Bonino missed Friday's practice with a non-COVID illness and is expected to play vs. the Predators. Jasper Weatherby was set to be a healthy scratch but will likely play if Bonino is unavailable.

Kevin Rooney was moved to IR with an upper-body injury so Brodzinski will play centre on the Rangers' fourth line vs. New Jersey. Brodzinski has no points in five games with New York this season but has 18 goals and 21 assists (39 points) in 36 AHL games.

Chytil has been out of the lineup for the last three games but will play Wednesday vs. the Blues. Chytil has had a very quiet season offensively, scoring just five goals with seven assists (12 points) in 41 games.

Leschyshyn has scored 12 goals with 12 assists (24 points) in 31 games with Henderson (AHL) this season. He has been recalled because Will Carrier (undisclosed) is a game-time decision.

Brodzinski has spent most of the season with Hartford (AHL), where he has scored 18 goals with 21 assists, to lead the team with 39 points in 36 games. He's appeared in five NHL games this season and 67 games with the Kings, Sharks and Kings since being a fifth-round pick in 2013.