The Rangers can rest a little easier about Artemi Panarin’s status heading into opening night, but less so about Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey. The Breadman returned to practice with the team on Monday for the first time since exiting a preseason game early last week with a lower-body injury — the second such time that occurred — and the mood was optimistic that Panarin would be able to play on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh when the Rangers

Vesey will be forced to miss at least 24 days and 10 games. Lindgren, who skated on his own before practice on Monday, must sit out at least seven days.

The Blueshirts' leading scorer returned to the ice Monday, alleviating injury concerns entering the new NHL season.