Report: Head Coach Clarifies Injury Situation

New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault took the time to speak with reporters earlier and seized the opportunity to discuss the team's injury situation.

There's very little doubt that defenseman Marc Staal's absence has been felt by the team. Some would go so far as to say that goaltender Henrik Lundqvist misses him the most. But, as with any head injuries, a player should never be rushed back into the lineup. In the case of Staal, his concussion seems to be coming along nicely. 

According to Vigneault, the 30-year-old blue-liner is making strides, and took to the ice to skate earlier today and is expected to do the same tomorrow: 

Moreover, the head coach added that Kevin Hayes will be reinserted into the lineup tomorrow as the team takes on an Original Six rival in the surging Toronto Maple Leafs, while forward Jesper Fast who was injured against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday, will only return to the lineup following the All-Star break. 

Initially, Fast was expected to recover within 7-10 days, as reported here.