Rick Nash skated Saturday prior to New York Rangers practice. Skating alongside the goalies, it was the first time Nash has been on the ice since sustaining a head injury in a game against the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 8. Since being hit by Brad Stuart, Nash has missed 13 games.
The Rangers have gone 7-6-0 without Nash and have no plans to rush his recovery.
"He's on the road to recovery, he's skating," Rangers general manager Glen Sather told reporters. "But he's got a ways to go with his conditioning."
Prior to his injury, Nash had no goals and three assists in three games. In his first season with the Rangers, Nash led the team with 21 goals in 44 games.
"Dealing with the brain, you always want to be careful," Nash said after his skate. "I'm inching forward here. I'm getting better."
Coach Alain Vigneault said, "To see him on the ice and skating and feeling good is a real positive sign for us."
The prolonged absence is something Nash is unaccustomed to. He entered this season having not missed more than seven games in a season since 2005-06, when he was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He admitted it was good to be back on the ice, but no updates were made regarding his status. Considering they've won five of their past six games, the Rangers are in no rush to bring back their most potent offensive threat.
"It's good to be back and be around the guys. I've strung together a good three or four days here, so it's been all positive since then," Nash said. "It's tough when they take away the thing you love ... but it's been fun watching the guys lately, playing really well."
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