Report: NY Rangers rookie not allowed to participate in playoffs

The New York Rangers are preparing for the 'new normal' which will include playing the Carolina Hurricanes in the play-in round of this years' playoffs. While Henrik Lundqvist has had a tremendous amount of success against the 'Canes, it's up-front the Rangers could struggle. Today, a report surfaced and it's terrible news for fans in the Big Apple.

From a Finnish report: 

The coronavirus is rampant in North America worse than ever, but the NHL playoffs are still set to begin at the turn of July and August. Currently, the details are being honed behind the scenes so that the season can be continued as safely as possible. At the moment, it seems that Kaapo Kakko, the Finnish promise of the New York Rangers, is not allowed to take part in the playoffs. He has type 1 diabetes. Players who, after consultation with a team doctor and an infectious disease specialist, are found to be at risk are not eligible to play and are not allowed to participate in Stage 3 or 4, NHL return plans say. Phase three means training camps and phase 4 the actual playoffs. The New York Rangers will face Carolina Hurricanes in a playoff round.

If true, this could be a huge blow for the Rangers. Even though Kakko has only managed 23 points in 66 games, the Finnish 2nd-overall pick was coming on of late and making his way up the Rangers lineup. The team was looking to depend on him to provide some secondary scoring. From all accounts, this sounds like the safe play, and as much as it stings for Rangers' fans, you have to put health and safety first and foremost. Every time. We wish him nothing but the best. 

Photo credit: Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire