Quoting: aecliptic
The Rangers would be incredibly dumb to not take advantage of the situation, ala the Bolts, and leave him on LTIR until after the season. Why rush a kid back into the lineup who is 1 hit away from eating soft food for the rest of his life? He needs a solid month of practice, with contact, with the team before even remotely considering putting him in the lineup.
Because thats not it works? If he's cleared as ready to play, by the teams medical staff (and they dont lie), and the league finds out, the rangers would be heavily heavily penalized. The bolts took advantage of a perfect scenario, not "oh he's healthy at game 55, but we cant wait another 30 games".
Once a player is medically cleared, theyre off the LTIR.
As for practice, its typically 1 week no contact, 1 week full contact.
And if theres zero setbacks, then he's good.