Derek Stepan was not the only player absent from mandatory physicals Wednesday at MSG training center. Backup goaltender Martin Biron was not in attendance, either. According to a team spokesperson, Biron is away due to "personal reasons."
Although the exact reason for Biron's absence is not immediately known, a source told ESPNNewYork.com that he is expected to return to New York soon, possibly as early as Thursday, when the team has its first day on the ice.
In wake of Biron's absence, former Devils netminder Johan Hedberg is attending camp on a professional tryout (PTO). Hedberg was actually one of two goaltenders the Rangers expressed interest in to back up Henrik Lundqvist during free agency in the summer of 2010.
Asked about Biron, new Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said he's "not exactly sure" how long Biron is expected to miss.
