Kreider medically cleared, could return to lineup this weekend

New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider has been medically cleared to play after a blood clot was discovered in his right arm in December, head coach Alain Vigneault announced Wednesday.

Kreider also underwent surgery to have a rib resected since he's been sidelined, and while he won't travel with the Rangers on their current road trip, Vigneault said he could return to the lineup Friday or Sunday at home.

The 26-year-old hasn't played since Dec. 27, and will rejoin a Rangers squad that's fallen out of playoff contention and into firesale mode ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

In 37 games this season, Kreider's recorded 11 goals and 11 assists.