Rangers say Lundqvist needs 10 days before return

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist will need approximately 10 days to get ready before playing, general manager Glen Sather said Wednesday at the NHL general managers meetings.

Lundqvist, who hasn't played since Feb. 2 because of a vascular injury, was cleared Tuesday by the Rangers doctors to return to practice.

"Just because he was cleared doesn't mean he's ready to return," Sather said. "I'd say a week to 10 days, probably closer to 10 days."

Sather said the key for Lundqvist is to get into some games before the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Rangers have 14 games remaining, so there is plenty of time for Lundqvist to get up to speed.

"The other thing about this is we want him ready for the end of the year," Sather said. "We're going to make the playoffs. He's gotta get some games."

Lundqvist was injured when he was struck in the throat by a shot from Carolina Hurricanes forward Brad Malone on Jan. 31. He stayed in the game and played two nights later against the Florida Panthers, but hasn't played since.

The Rangers are 15-2-3 without Lundqvist. They have won five consecutive games heading into Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, TVA Sports, SN1).

Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl