New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider has been medically cleared to play, though his return won't come Thursday.

Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault said Kreider will not travel with the team to Montreal for Thursday's game, but could play either Friday or Sunday.

Kreider has been out since Dec. 27 due to a blood clot that required rib resection surgery to correct. He returned to practice earlier this month, though his return was not expected to come until March.

Kreider, 26, has 11 goals and 22 points in 37 games with the Rangers this season. 

TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported earlier this month Kreider could be moved by the Rangers at the trade deadline in a "low-level deal," despite his injury.

Kreider is under contract through 2019-20 at a $4.625 million cap hit.