The New York Rangers have announced on Monday that forward Pavel Buchnevich is sidelined for four to six weeks with a thumb injury.
OFFICIAL: #NYR Pavel Buchnevich suffered a broken thumb on Saturday at Columbus and will be sidelined 4-6 weeks. pic.twitter.com/B87WwYawVL
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 12, 2018
Pavel Buchnevich Injured
Buchnevich was injured in Saturday’s shootout victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was diagnosed with a broken thumb.
He has scored five goals and four assists for nine points in 14 games this season. The Cherepovets, Russia native also has two penalty minutes. His possession numbers were 45.7 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 0.7.
Buchnevich has only played for the New York Rangers in his three-year NHL career. He has 27 goals and 45 assists for 72 career points in 129 career games. The New York Rangers originally drafted him in the third round, 75th overall of the 2013 NHL draft.
The 23-year-old will be out starting with Monday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. He had helped the Rangers go 5-0-1 in their last six games. Mats Zuccarello is also a game-decision for the Blueshirts due to a groin injury. He did not participate in Monday’s morning skate.
What This Means for the Future
Rangers head coach David Quinn benched Buchnevich for two games on their long road trip. The young forward responded with two goals and two assists in the three games since his benching.
Buchnevch responded positively to the benching and earned his spot back on the top line. He was playing well with Vladislav Namestnikov and Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers have really played well the last few games and that top line was a good reason why.
Quinn will have to make some decisions on who gets moved up to the top line. Chris Kreider is a good candidate to get moved up to the top line while Zuccarello heals. The Rangers will need someone to step up and fill the scoring void.
NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 21: New York Rangers right wing Pavel Buchnevich (89)) skates during the first period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on December 21, 2017, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
