Rangers with major update on health of Kakko and Fox

In case you missed it last night, the New York Rangers dropped a 5-1 decision to the Buffalo Sabres and, frankly, didn't look good in doing so.

The Sabres poured it on in the 3rd period and the Rangers simply ran out of time to get themselves into the game.

The worst part of the game for the Rangers though came when forward Kaapo Kakko fell awkwardly into the end boards and ended up folding his left leg underneath him. It was an extremely painful looking moment and it forced Kakko from the game due to a suspected knee injury.

Here's the play in question:

Again, Kakko left the game and did not return to action.

Today, it's being reported that Kakko will be out of the Rangers' line-up long-term but that he will return at some point this season. The initial fear was that Kakko would need some sort of reconstructive surgery to repair his knee, which would effectively end his season given the severity of the injury and the resulting rehab process.

Tremendous news considering how serious of an injury it looked like last night.

So, to no one's surprise, Kakko was placed on long-term injury reserve by the Rangers earlier today. Filip Chytil will join him, while superstar defenseman Adam Fox returns to the lineup for tomorrow night's game against the Detroit Red Wings.

From Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman:

The 22 year old Kakko has struggled mightily this season, his fifth NHL campaign. After a season last year where he potted 18 goals and 40 points in 82 games, Kakko finally looked poised to deliver on his 2nd overall draft pedigree. So far this season though he's managed just two goals and three points in 20 game. Ouch.

Rangers fans were counting on both Kakko and former 1st overall pick Alexis Lafreniere to take their games to the next level this season and, so far, it just hasn't happened. Lafreniere started off hot but has cooled lately. Still, he has managed eight goals and 12 points in 20 games and is poised to have his best NHL season to date. Still though... this team needs more from its young talent.