gasket around insert and liner?

I was inspecting my stove before it is used 24/7 for the coming months. and i noticed that the foam/fiber gasket that goes between the liner and the insert, has a 3" gap, that is now no longer in the area between the two parts. is this something for noise abatement to stop rattling or does it serve a more important function such as sealing out the smoke or air flow?


if this description makes no sense i can try and post a photo of it.

thanks

edited with photos

sorry for the delay. i just uploaded photos.

im thinking maybe my liner moved? when i sweep the chimney i go from bottom to top, as i use a rope and my wife clips the brush to the rope once i pass it from the top to bottom and i then pull it to the top a few dozen times till no more dirt/debris falls with each pass.

worth repairing before the winter season kicks off?

i took it all apart and the liner looks intact. not sure how the sealer part no longer resides where it should.
I did replace the part that was eroded/rusted and am replacing the baffles as well.
next up the pumice firebricks