NEW YORK - There was a piece of good news from Tom Renney after the Rangers 5-2 loss to the Islanders. Jaromir Jagr is taking the next step for his shoulder rehabilitation.

“A very good report from the doctor,” Renney said. “He is ready for full practice and everything that is involved in that. Beyond that, it’s day to day.”

Jagr, who led the team in scoring last year with 123 points, will take the ice later today when the Rangers skate in Greenburgh. He will participate in full contact drills that will test the strength of his left shoulder, which was dislocated in the playoffs last season.

Renney downplayed his return, saying he is only cleared to practice. “Once I feel his level of fitness is where we like it to be, based on the protocol we use, then we are go to go.”

It’s the Rangers’ hope Jagr will take part in one of the final two preseason games this weekend before the team finished up camp in Lake George early next week.

“I would like to see him play as much as possible," Renney said, "but we will see where this takes us. Certainly the medical reports were very positive tonight.”

  E-mail this story |  Printer-friendly |  Discuss