Concern begins to grow as New York Rangers forward's day-to-day absence stretches into the second week

Edström, who was initially labelled day-to-day with a lower-body injury on December 1st, has still not returned to practice. The 24-year-old forward left that Monday skate early and has not been seen with the team since, missing four straight games while offering no visible signs of progress. For a player originally expected to return quickly, the prolonged absence has fans increasingly worried.

Mike Sullivan has remained cautious in his updates, declining to offer a specific timeline. However, the silence combined with Edström's continued absence makes it appear that the injury may be more significant than the team initially indicated.

The Rangers have adjusted around him, recalling Brennan Othmann for brief insurance before eventually turning to Jaroslav Chmelar, but the patchwork approach highlights how valuable Edström's size and forechecking ability are to the bottom six.

Day-to-day injuries rarely stretch beyond a week without a shift in messaging, and Edström's absence is beginning to mirror longer-term issues rather than minor tweaks.

His physical presence down low and ability to win puck battles play a meaningful role in the Rangers' identity, and without him the bottom six has lost some of its grind.

Until Edström returns to the ice, speculation will only continue. The Rangers need clarity - and they need him healthy - as the schedule tightens and their forward depth continues to be tested.