Rangers' Stepan back after 10-game absence with broken ribs

Derek Stepan is returning sooner than expected.

The New York Rangers forward will play Friday against the Winnipeg Jets, Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said prior to the game.

Stepan missed 10 games with fractured ribs after being hit by Boston Bruins forward Matt Beleskey on Nov. 27.

His original timetable was four-to-six weeks, meaning his return comes ahead of schedule. He resumed skating earlier this week.

Stepan has six goals and six assists in 23 games.