Adam Fox took a significant step forward in his recovery on Wednesday morning, hitting the ice at an optional morning skate with several of his New York Rangers teammates. Notably, Fox donned a red non-contact jersey, signaling that while progress is being made, full-contact play remains off the table for now.

Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan expressed optimism about Fox’s rehabilitation journey. Prior to the team’s 5-2 loss against the Islanders, Sullivan commented, “It’s very encouraging to see Adam take this next step. It suggests he’s getting closer to a return.” While Sullivan’s words provide hope, the timeline for Fox’s return remains uncertain.

Time is of the essence for the 27-year-old Long Island native. With the NHL’s Winter Olympics break looming, Fox faces a race against the clock to get back into game action. The Blueshirts have just three matchups left before the league pauses for the games in Milan: a home faceoff against the Islanders on Thursday, a Saturday showdown in Pittsburgh, and a final pre-break game against the Hurricanes next Thursday.

While Sullivan refrained from providing a definitive answer on Fox’s potential return, he did acknowledge the significance of Fox rejoining the team, saying, “The fact that he’s joining the team obviously suggests that he’s in the last stages before his return to play.” As fans and teammates alike eagerly await his comeback, all eyes will be on Fox’s ongoing progress.

“I don’t have an answer for you, but the fact that he’s joining the team obviously suggests that he’s in the last stages before his return to play,” Sullivan added.

Fox only has appeared in three games since Nov. 29 due to two separate stints on long-term injured reserve with an early shoulder injury and the lower-body issue the former Norris Trophy winner sustained on Jan. 5 against the Mammoth.

Goalie Igor Shesterkin, who suffered a lower-body injury in the same Jan. 5 game as Fox, worked out on the ice with goalie coach Jeff Malcolm Wednesday morning at the team’s Tarrytown training facility.

Sullivan said it’s “a fair statement” to say Fox is ahead of Shesterkin in their respective rehabs.

Forward Conor Sheary (lower-body) also took part in the optional skate wearing a noncontact jersey.

Spencer Martin got the start in net and allowed all five goals on 36 shots.

It marked his fourth start since Shesterkin was injured.

Sullivan has gone to more of a rotation lately between Martin and veteran Jonathan Quick.

“I think the biggest thing is just trying to set them both up for success,” Sullivan said. “We weren’t sure how the workload would be for a guy like Quickie and where he’s at in his career. So I think we get better versions of both guys when we share the work a little bit. That’s been my observation.”