Report: Nils Lundkvist out due to non-Covid illness; Libor Hajek makes season debut

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nils lundkvist
Oct 14, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Nils Lundkvist (27) shoots the puck against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers announced prior to tonight’s game against the Nashville Predators that Nils Lundkvist is out with a non-covid related illness.

That means Libor Hajek will make his season debut.

Lundkvist out; Hajek in

Lundkvist, 21, has 1 goal and 3 assists in 21 games of action this season. The 1st round pick in 2018 (28th overall) was looking more and more comfortable over the last week, and even scored his first NHL goal this past Friday.

Hajek, 23, will finally get into action this season after a recent conditioning stint in the AHL with the Wolf Pack. In five games with the Pack, he notched up two assists and had a rating of +3. He also registered 5 shots and picked up 6 minutes in penalties.

Selected in the 2nd round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, he was part of the package Tampa sent to the Rangers in the Ryan McDonagh blockbuster at the 2018 Trade Deadline.

In his young career has recorded 10 points in 77 NHL games. The Rangers signed him to a one-year deal worth $874,125 over the summer.

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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