New York Rangers clear Lindgren and Rooney; Gettinger to taxi squad, and McDavid playing

By 
Jan 3, 2022
kevin rooney
Oct 25, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Kevin Rooney (17) celebrates a goal by left wing Dryden Hunt (29) during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers have announced that both defenseman Ryan Lindgren and center Kevin Rooney are off COVID protocol today. Both are expected to face the Oilers.

Tim Gettinger, who played a solid 12:10 of ice in Sunday’s 4-0 win over the Lightning.

Lindgren and Rooney off COVID list

Lindgren, 23, has four points in 30 games this season with a +9 rating while averaging 20:21 per game. He was placed in COVID protocols on December 26.

If Lindgren is available to play tonight as expected, it will be interesting to see Gerard Gallant sits either Zac Jones or Libor Hajek, who has been playing with his partner Adam Fox.

kevin rooney
Apr 25, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Kevin Rooney #17 of the New York Rangers celebrates his empty net goal in the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on April 25, 2021 in New York City.The New York Rangers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Rooney, 28, has 7 points in 30 games this season and plays a key role as the 4th line center. He was placed in COVID protocols on December 27. He will take Gettinger’s spot in the lineup.

Thanks to the update in CDC guidelines reducing quarantine from 10 to 5 days, both were eligible to return today.

Connor McDavid missed morning skate, will play

This morning, NHL leading scorer Connor McDavid was missing from the morning skate.

Oilers head coach Dave Tippet confirmed that it was for maintenance and he’s expected to play tonight.

McDavid, 24, leads has 53 points in 32 games this season.

NHL Rumors

Has start to interview GM candidates. Canucks on trade approach and will Laine be traded again? Read more.

NHL Rumors: Habs GM updates, Canucks trade approach, and Patrik Laine trade bait?
By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at YardBarker and MSN. Some of his past features have been linked on Sportsnet, NBC, TFP, NY POST, NEWSDAY and more.