After missing all of training camp and the New York Rangers' opening-night 4-1 loss Thursday to the Phoenix Coyotes, it appears captain Ryan Callahan will return to the lineup for the team's next game Monday.
Rangers coach Alain Vigneault, asked Friday about the right wing’s return, said he expected Callahan to play against the Los Angeles Kings.
Callahan had shoulder surgery at the end of May. He had been skating by himself in recent weeks and Friday practiced on a line with left wing Taylor Pyatt and center Brian Boyle. That pair played primarily with rookie Jesper Fast in the loss to the Coyotes
Callahan's return would appear to come at the perfect time. As part of its nine-game road trip to start the season, New York will play three games in four nights against the Kings, San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, who each made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.
In 45 games last season, Callahan scored 16 points and 31 points, ranking first among NHL forwards with 66 blocked shots.