A day after both were banged up from workouts, Mika Zibanejad and Brennan Othmann both took part in team practice at the Greenburgh facility.

Zibanejad wore a red “no contact” jersey. He was hit up high by an errant shot yesterday. This early in camp, it’s best to use precaution. Especially with arguably the best player they have.

It was in 2022-23 that the 30-year-old Zibanejad set new career marks in points (91), power play goals (20), shots on goal (251), and even strength points (18-32-50). He also had a plus-25 rating and was recognized by voters by finishing 16th for the Selke.

Undoubtedly, Zibanejad is the key center for a team looking to do better under new coach Peter Laviolette. The first round disappointment is behind them. In his prime, Zibanejad enters his eighth year on Broadway. It’s hard to believe he’s been a Blueshirt that long. It was the best trade former GM Jeff Gorton ever made when he acquired Zibanejad for former playoff hero Derick Brassard.

With five exhibition games left, there’s no rush. If the medical staff clears him for full contact, then perhaps we’ll see Zibanejad get into a couple of games before the training camp concludes.

While the established top pivot took drills, Othmann also returned to practice. He skated with Group A, which coincidentally included Zibanejad. Sidekick Chris Kreider also took part. The defense included regulars Adam Fox, Braden Schneider, and Ryan Lindgren, whom Laviolette indicated would be in for Tuesday night’s preseason match against the Islanders.

Considering who we saw on Sunday, I’d expect that Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Kaapo Kakko will be part of tomorrow’s lineup. Igor Shesterkin and Dylan Garand probably will share time in the net.

Laviolette was pretty spot on about Sunday’s game. He made sure to point out the defensive miscues that led to the Bruins’ scoring chances. But, the experienced coach also alluded to how they improved during the game by generating quality chances. Boston goalie Brandon Bussi stopped them in their tracks.

Schneider said he likes what Laviolette has brought so far. It’s probably a bit more honest. Laviolette emphasizes a strict defensive system. It’ll take some time for the players to adjust. Patience will be required.

The remainder of the exhibition games features the Islanders and Devils twice and concludes with one more game against the Bruins on October 5.

Rangers Trim Roster: After starting camp with 59 players, the Rangers made the first batch of cuts by reassigning 10 of 11. Maxim Barbashev, Seth Barton, Zach Berzolla, Ryan McCleary, and Sahil Panwar were reassigned to Hartford. Joe Arnsten, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Max McCue, James Petrovski, and Dylan Roobroeck were returned to their junior teams. Brad Arvantis was released from a pro tryout (PTO).

Forty-eight players remain.

Goalies: Igor Shesterkin, Jonathan Quick, Louis Domingue, Dylan Garand, Talyn Boyko

Defensemen: Adam Fox, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Jacob Trouba, Erik Gustafsson, Braden Schneider, Zac Jones, Ben Harpur, Matthew Robertson, Ty Emberson, Connor Mackey, Adam Clendening, Nikolas Brouillard, Blake Hillman, Mac Hallowell, Brandon Scanlin

Forwards: Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil, Artemi Panarin, Blake Wheeler, Vincent Trocheck, Barclay Goodrow, Kaapo Kakko, Nick Bonino, Jimmy Vesey, Tyler Pitlick, Alex Belzile, Riley Nash, Jonny Brodzinski, Will Cuylle, Brennan Othmann, Jake Leschyshyn, Adam Sykora, Brett Berard, Bobby Trivigno, Anton Blidh, Adam Edstrom, Turner Elson, Karl Henriksson, Ryder Korczak, Matt Rempe

Devils Split Squad For Exhibition Slate: Tonight, the Devils are in action with split squads against the Canadiens and Flyers. If you’re curious, you can catch the game on NJD.TV on their website. The Devils Radio Network will have the call.