Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, who has missed 21 games following a repair to his torn meniscus in his left knee, took part in the Rangers’ morning skate Tuesday for the first time since his Jan. 22 surgery, and coach Alain Vigneault said his return to the lineup is close.
“He’s been skating for a while,’’ Vigneault said. “He’s coming along. I think him and ‘Rammer’ (Rangers athletic trainer Jim Ramsay) have sort of narrowed down a plan for him to play. We’re looking at the next couple weeks.’’
Shattenkirk, 29, signed a four-year, $26.6 million free agent contract with the Rangers last summer.