Rick Nash returns to Rangers, will play Tuesday vs. Bruins

Rick Nash returns to a Rangers team that's currently tied with the New Jersey Devils for the 27th-best offense in the NHL. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash, who has missed the last 17 games because of a concussion suffered last month against the San Jose Sharks, passed the final step of his concussion test on Tuesday and, according to the team's NHL page, will play Tuesday when the Rangers host the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden.

Nash suffered the head injury - his second concussion in eight months -- when he was checked Oct. 8 by the Sharks' Brad Stuart, a penalty that resulted in Stuart being suspended two games. Prior to the injury, Nash had three points in three games this season.

MUIR: Top Line: Rangers need new Code; why U.S. won’t win in Sochi; more links

Head coach Alain Vigneault said he plans to keep Nash at approximately a 15-minute limit against the Bruins, according to an Associated Press report:

"He is going to play a regular shift and he is going to play some power play. I would like to be able to keep him in that 15-minute range. He hasn't played for quite some time. It's almost for him like going through training camp again."

The return of the former No. 1 overall pick is welcome news to a Rangers team that currently averages 2.10 goals per game, tied for 27th in the league.

The 29-year-old said his rehab has been a "long six weeks," and he's excited to return to the ice on Tuesday night.

SI STAFF: 50 landmark hockey fights