Rangers' Adam Fox placed on IR with upper-body injury

The New York Rangers will begin Friday's NHL action tied for first place on points (60) in the Metropolitan Division standings with the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins but offered bad news to fans ahead of the evening's home game against the Minnesota Wild. 

Per The Athletic's Arthur Staple, Rangers star defenseman Adam Fox has been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury that he suffered during the third period of Thursday's 5-3 loss at the Columbus Blue Jackets. The designation means Fox will miss New York's next three games ahead of the upcoming All-Star break. 

According to the NHL's website, it's unclear if Fox will be able to participate in the All-Star Game on Feb. 5 or if he'll return to the New York lineup against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 15. Danny Abriano and Alex Smith of SNY wrote head coach Gerard Gallant told reporters after Thursday's contest the reigning Norris Trophy winner was dealing with a non-serious setback. 

As noted by NHL stats, Fox leads all defensemen with 47 points on the season, and his 40 assists are good for second among all NHL players behind only Jonathan Huberdeau of the Florida Panthers. 

After Friday, the Rangers face the Seattle Kraken on Sunday afternoon and then the Panthers on Tuesday.