Larry Brooks of The NY Post reports that Marc Staal has been cleared to resume light physical activity.  Staal received the good news after visiting with Boston doctor Dr. Robert Cantu on Tuesday.

Before you jump out of your seat, understand that this is nothing more than a tiny step forward for Staal.  Just because he was symptom free while sitting on his couch in the comfort of his home doesn’t mean Staal will feel as well when he starts exerting himself physically.

After all, Staal was participating in some training camp drills in late September before succumbing to concussion-like symptoms again and being shut down by doctors in mid-October.

Everyone is hopeful that Staal is past that, but he could begin having headaches again at any point and be set back even further.

At this point everyone involved with Staal’s situation is being extremely careful.  We’re fast approaching a year since the hit by Eric Staal that actually injured Marc in the first place and he’s still far from healthy.

Concussions are being taken very seriously these days and Staal’s long-term absence isn’t unique.  Everyone knows that Sidney Crosby is finally nearing a return, but forward David Perron still hasn’t returned to St. Louis’s lineup after suffering a concussion last fall and Toronto center Matthew Lombardi missed almost the entirety of last season with a head injury of his own.

The Rangers would love to have Marc Staal back in their lineup, but this is a classic case of protecting a player’s long-term health over any short-term gain. 

New York has nearly $12 million invested in Staal over the next three years, so if there’s even a little doubt that Staal isn’t 100%, then he’ll be held out of the lineup.

If Staal’s light workouts go well, then the team will take it from there.  But it’s still no certainty that we’ll see Staal again this year.

- Henrik Lundqvist did not practice with the Rangers this morning as the goalie took a “maintenance day.”

- It doesn't sound like Anton Stralman will play for the Blueshirts on Saturday.  Coach John Tortorella still isn't satisfied with his conditioning.

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