Kreider missed the Rangers previous three games due to an upper-body injury but will draw back into the lineup Thursday vs. Boston. The 31-year-old has 19 goals, 11 assists, 138 SOG, 14 PIMs and a +11 plus/minus through 21 games prior to the injury.

Shesterkin allowed two goals on 31 shots (.935 SV%) to break a two-game winning streak as he was downed by Montreal in his previous start. The 27-year-old has been solid this season, with his 20-7-6 record, 2.43 GAA and .918 SV%. He will take on the Boston Bruins, who have won seven of their last eight contests after a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders last game.

Blidh had six goals, three assists, 30 PIMs and a +5 plus/minus through 23 games with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) and has been recalled to the Avalanche Monday. The 27-year-old has yet to pick up a point in nine NHL games so far this season with Colorado, but does have eight SOG and four PIMs.

Fitzgerald was a third-round pick in 2016 and has picked up three assists in 23 games with the Sabres this season. In total, he has nine assists in 59 career NHL games. Fitzgerald will likely replace Matt Kiersted to serve as the Panthers' No.7 defenseman.

Leschyshyn was a second-round pick in 2017 and has picked up six points (2G / 4A) in 63 career NHL games. Leschyshyn figures to factor in on the Rangers' fourth line moving forward.

Kreider left the Rangers' previous game vs. Minnesota after 16:52 TOI with an upper-body injury and is now considered day-to-day. The 31-year-old has 19 goals, 11 assists, 138 SOG, and a +11 plus/minus through 42 games but will miss Thursday's game vs. the Stars.

Brodzinski has a goal and an assist with 18 SOG and a +4 plus/minus through 11 games but will miss Thursday's contest due to the birth of his child. Gustav Rydahl will make his NHL debut in place of Brodzinski.

Vesey had signed a one-year contract after a successful PTO to start 2022-23 but has now signed a two-year, $800,000 AAV extension with the Rangers. The 29-year-old earned the extension after putting up six goals, six assists, 62 SOG and a +4 plus/minus through 38 games this season.

Shesterkin stopped 39 of 40 shots (.975 SV%) but still took the hard-luck loss as he was defeated by Tampa Bay in his last time out. The 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner has been solid again this season, with his 17-6-5 record, 2.41 GAA and .918 SV%. He takes on the NHL's hottest team in Carolina, who has won their last 11 contests.

Shesterkin stopped 39 of 40 shots (.975 SV%) but still took the hard-luck loss as he was defeated by Tampa Bay in his last time out. The 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner has been solid again this season, with his 17-6-5 record, 2.41 GAA and .918 SV%. He takes on the NHL's hottest team in Carolina, who has won their last 11 contests.

Ruhwedel missed the Penguins' previous game due to an upper-body injury but will be a game-time decision for the Winter Classic Monday. The 32-year-old has one assist, 10 SOG, 10 PIMs and a +2 plus/minus through 17 games this season

Ruhwedel missed the Penguins' previous game due to an upper-body injury but will be a game-time decision for the Winter Classic Monday. The 32-year-old has one assist, 10 SOG, 10 PIMs and a +2 plus/minus through 17 games this season.