Kreider is expected to play Friday against the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Kreider has missed the Rangers' last two games with what was deemed an upper-body injury. It seems as though the big-bodied forward may have been dealing with some sort of neck ailment, as Newsday's Steve Zipay reported Friday that Kreider's "neck is fine," which is likely why the Rangers were comfortable with sending Boo Nieves back to AHL Hartford. All signs point to Kreider slotting back into the Blueshirts' lineup against Columbus, but the Rangers should provide confirmation on the star forward's status ahead of puck drop.