For the first time since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 27, the New York Rangers welcomed Kaapo Kakko back to a team skate.

Tarrytown, NY -- New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko joined the team for morning skate ahead of their Thursday night matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 22-year-old forward suffered a lower-body injury back on Nov. 27 after he got tied up with Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jack Johnson in a 5-1 loss:

The following day, the Rangers placed Kakko on long-term injured reserve. 

Although back on the ice with his teammates this morning, Kakko was donning a red non-contact jersey.  

Kakko has missed 16 games and will miss his 17th Thursday night. 

Through 20 games, the former second-overall pick in 2019 has two goals and one assist.

This story will be updated following morning skate.