Concerning news surfaces from the New York Rangers as a key forward was forced to miss practice

Just moments ago, Rangers reporter Vince Z. Mercogliano noted on Wednesday that Lafrenière was out sick and was forced to miss practice. Along with this, Vince reported rookie center Noah Laba was practicing in a red non-contact sweater.

An illness is often a short detour, but the timing stings with the New York Rangers hosting the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

His best minutes lately have come as a net-front option on the power play, where his hands can tip pucks and steal rebounds. He even scored a power-play goal against Utah on Monday, a reminder that his confidence rises when he attacks the blue paint.

At 24, the 2020 first overall pick has 9 goals and 24 points in 44 games. He is in year one of a seven-year deal carrying a $7.45 million cap hit.

However, with the absence being labelled as an illness, and not an injury, is at least a small exhale right now.

Buffalo's pressure game will force clean exits, and Lafrenière's wall support matters when New York is already fighting through lineup churn.

If Lafrenière feels better Thursday, he can still play, and that is often the case with these midweek absences.

If he cannot, Sullivan will have to plug another winger into the top-six and re-balance the power play net-front look that Lafrenière provides.

With Noah Laba still in a red non-contact, the middle is squeezed, and every missing winger forces longer shifts for the stars.

Either way, Thursday is a depth test, and the Rangers must keep their pace in transition against a Sabres team that loves quick counters.

All eyes go to Thursday morning's skate, because one healthy Lafrenière changes the whole feel of this matchup.

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