Rangers Forward Adam Sykora Sustained Injury
The 22-year-old forward left the preseason game against the Devils after a collision.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Hockey
New York Rangers forward Adam Sykora exited Monday's preseason game against the New Jersey Devils after suffering a lower-body injury. The team officially ruled the 22-year-old out of the contest early in the second period.
Why it matters
The injury disrupts the preseason rhythm for a young player looking to build on his previous stint with the NHL club. Sykora was widely expected to begin the upcoming season with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack.
Adam Sykora recorded 3 goals and 4 points across 11 games for the Rangers in the 2025-26 season. His AHL performance includes 12 goals and 29 points over 62 games played.
The players
Adam Sykora
He is a 22-year-old forward within the New York Rangers organization who spent time in both the NHL and AHL during the 2025-26 season.
Mikael Diotte
He is a player for the New Jersey Devils who was involved in the collision with Sykora.
The details
Sykora was injured after taking a hit from Mikael Diotte while chasing the puck into the corner at the Prudential Center. He twisted into the boards during the first period and required assistance to hobble back to the bench.
Timeline
Monday, September 21, 2026: Sykora exited the preseason game with an injury.
2025-26 season: Sykora played 11 games with the Rangers.
Season Trajectory
The injury impacts the Rangers depth chart and delays the start of Sykora's development season. His path to the NHL remains tied to his performance with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he is slated to begin the year.
Sykora is now unlikely to secure an immediate spot on the opening night NHL roster. His development focus shifts to recovery and an eventual assignment to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The takeaway
Young players must balance the physical demands of preseason physicality with long-term development goals. Maintaining health through high-impact collisions remains the primary challenge for prospects transitioning between AHL and NHL levels.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Hockey section.
