Adam Edstrom's not a million miles away from returning

Rookie Adam Edström was officially ruled out for two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half months with a lower-body injury.

At the time the announcement was made in February, the projected 2.5-3.5 month timeline meant that — at best — Edstrom could return for the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, assuming the Rangers make it. But it's been about two months; the return of the center could be here sooner rather than later.

At the time of being placed on IR — Edstrom had been a bright spot for the Blueshirts in the bottom six, and through 51 games had tallied five goals and four assists playing 9:16 per game. At 6'6" and 241 pounds he brought a powerful presence to the ice, and he'd been pretty effective keeping his nose clean while still playing a physical game.

To be more specific, Edstrom was injured midway through the second period of a 6-3 win at the Boston Bruins on Saturday. He has nine points (five goals, four assists) in 51 games.

A somewhat recent update came late February from the New York Post's Mollie Walker. As of then, it seemed as if Edstrom will not partake in optional skates wearing a non-contact jersey as he had not been cleared for that either.

While New York’s regular-season finale is April 17 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, there is a window where Edstrom could see a return. Saturday night's win puts the New York Rangers back in a playoff spot.

The Blueshirts 6-1 demolition of the San Jose Sharks put the Rangers back into the second wild-card spot, and they hold position over the Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Islanders.

The fourth line has taken a hit as a result of the 24-year-old's injury, and this in addition to Matt Rempe now being to week-to-week only adds fuel to the fire. Rempe fought Tanner Jeannot during the Rangers 3-1 loss on Tuesday, and went down hard after losing his balance. Most are speculating his upper body injury was sustained in this particular moment in reference.

Hopefully, a return for both Edstrom and Rempe is approaching quicker than initially thought.