Staal is out with a back injury and McIlrath with a knee injury.
Nash, who wore a non-contact jersey Monday, has gone from week-to-week to day-to-day, according to Rangers coach Alain Vigneault. He hasn't played since Jan. 22 because of a bone bruise to his leg.
"It's good and it's exciting," Nash told Blueshirtsunited.com. "The toughest part is not playing, but it's also tough not being around these guys, they are like family. Having that taken away is not too fun. It felt good out there. It was a positive day, for sure."
Lundqvist has missed the past two games with neck spasms initially experienced during a game against Pittsburgh on Thursday.
"I feel better, each day is definitely a step in the right direction," Lundqvist said. "I had a light skate [Sunday], increased today, and the plan is to skate again with [goaltending coach Benoit Allaire] tomorrow and then be ready for the weekend."
After playing the Sabres, the Rangers are off until Saturday when they face the Detroit Red Wings.
The Rangers recalled defenseman Brady Skjei from Hartford of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis to address the absence of Staal and McIlrath. Skjei, 21, has skated in three games with New York this season
Goaltender Magnus Hellberg on Friday was recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis and has served as backup to Antti Raanta the past two games.
