The New York Rangers were dealt a concerning injury scare Sunday night when Joseph Veleno needed assistance getting off the ice after a hard collision along the boards.
According to reports from Peter Baugh and Jonny Lazarus, Veleno appeared unable to put weight on his right leg after getting tangled up with Clayton Keller while attempting to complete a check.
Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson helped Veleno make his way toward the dressing room. He reportedly struggled to get back to the bench before eventually leaving the game.
There was no immediate word on the exact nature or severity of Veleno’s injury.
The incident could create an early challenge for Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, particularly if Veleno is forced to miss time. Baugh raised the possibility of New York replacing him at fourth-line center or adjusting its lineup and operating with three centers.
Veleno, 26, entered the season carrying a $1.2 million salary-cap hit and was still searching for his first point through three games.
Keller, meanwhile, had started the campaign strongly, recording four assists over his first two games. Three of those points came on the power play. The 28-year-old forward carries a $7.15 million cap hit.
Durzi was also coming off a productive performance, scoring the power-play winner in New York’s 2-0 victory over Detroit on Friday. He carries a $6 million cap hit, while Pettersson’s contract carries a $5.5 million cap hit.
For now, the biggest concern is Veleno’s condition. Until the Rangers provide an official update, the team and its supporters will be waiting to learn whether the forward can return soon or faces an extended absence.
