TAMPA, Fla. — The Rangers haven’t had their full complement of forwards since Nov. 14 against the Sabres, 15 games ago. And while Cody McLeod (broken hand) will still be sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Blueshirts will be as healthy up-front as they have been for a month when Mats Zuccarello (groin) and Pavel Buchnevich (broken thumb) rejoin the lineup, probably as soon as Friday against the Coyotes at the Garden.
That will trigger management discussions and personnel decisions, with the most noteworthy concerning the status of Lias Andersson, who seems to be destined for a fourth-line role and corresponding limited minutes if he remains with the varsity.