The New York Rangers announced that left winger Cody McLeod is sidelined for four to six weeks with a fractured hand.
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Cody McLeod Out Long Term
McLeod was injured in the Rangers 5-0 win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Prior to leaving the game, McLeod has scored his first goal as a Ranger. He injured his hand during a fight with Islanders left wing Ross Johnston.
So far this season, McLeod has scored one goal and zero assists for one point to go along with 42 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 41.1 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -6.1.
Over his 12-year NHL career, McLeod has played for the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and the New York Rangers. He has 72 goals and 55 assists for 127 career points in 754 career NHL games. He was undrafted but signed with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL in 2005. In 2007, the Avalanche called him up for a game against the Anaheim Ducks. He played every game for the Avalanche the rest of that season.
Impact To The Rangers
McLeod’s loss won’t be felt on the scoresheet in terms of goals and assists. But he brings a veteran and intimidating presence to the ice with a career 1605 penalty minutes. He currently leads the team in penalty minutes with 42. The next most penalized played on the Rangers is Brendan Smith with 29.
A four to six week recovery time will put McLeod’s return into the new year. Considering his value is in his fists, the team will be sure the injury is fully healed before returning McLeod to the lineup.
The Rangers are currently sitting in second place in the Metropolitan division. Losing McLeod for twenty or so games, likely won’t make a significant impact to the Rangers playoff hopes. But considering they’re a surprise playoff team at the quarter-season mark, it may allow teams that have aggressive players such as Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals to take advantage. The Rangers play the Capitals this Saturday night.
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