Blueshirts get back pair from COVID list

The Rangers got healthier on Tuesday.

Forward Barclay Goodrow came off the COVID-19 protocols list, and Dryden Hunt was taken off injured reserve after dealing with an undisclosed upper-body issue. Both practiced, skating on a line with Julien Gauthier.

“They should be fine,” coach Gerard Gallant said, when asked if the two would play Wednesday night against the Maple Leafs at the Garden. “They both skated today [well]. I don’t see any issue with them. We’ll make a decision [Wednesday].”

It appears that decision was already made. After Gallant spoke to the media, the Rangers announced Jonny Brodzinski and Tim Gettinger were assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

The 28-year-old Goodrow, who has 17 points in 36 games this year, has missed the past three contests. Hunt, 26, had been out since Jan. 6.

“They’re tough decisions, but they’re common-sense decisions,” Gallant said. “I know my team. We’ve been together almost 40 games now, so we’ll make the best decisions possible. As a coaching staff, we’ll do what’s best for us. The [young guys] all played well, they’ve all done a good job. It makes it tougher, but I’ll make my decisions based on our team going forward. If those guys [Goodrow and Hunt] are ready to come in, they’re probably going to play.”

➤ On Tuesday, the Bruins retired the No. 22 jersey of Willie O’Ree, the first black player in the NHL on the 64th anniversary of his debut with Boston.

“He’s a guy that paved the way for players like me,” forward Ryan Reaves said. “Things that he went through, obviously it wasn’t easy for him to step into an all-white league. I’m sure it was tough every day for him to step on the ice and I’m sure he heard some racist comments and a lot of hate coming his way. For him to fight through that, and pave the way for players like me and [K’Andre Miller], I think it’s necessary the NHL and sports in general just kind of honor a guy like that.”

➤ Forward Mika Zibanejad was chosen by fans as the “Last Man In” from the Metropolitan Division for the NHL All-Star Game, but he won’t attend due to personal reasons, according to the Rangers . ... Forward Ryan Strome (maintenance) missed his second straight day of practice, but Gallant said he would be ready to play Wednesday night.