Jonathan Toews will not travel on the first part of this trip, but the Blackhawks are hopeful he can meet up with them along the road.
Coach Joel Quenneville said Toews is "progressing" from what is likely concussion-like symptoms. Asked if Toews could join the Blackhawks' three-game road trip at some point, Quenneville said, "hope so."
"Hes progressing so hopefully its going to be soon that we get him on the ice," Quenneville said Thursday before the Blackhawks headed to Ottawa. "Hes getting the proper attention and working with our trainers and doing his routine. Hes progressing. We mentioned yesterday we're not sure on the timeline of where hes going to be. We said day-to-day and we're still on that timeline."
Meanwhile, Niklas Hjalmarsson skated again and will go on the Blackhawks' road trip. He is out tomorrow, but Quenneville hopes the defenseman plays on some part of it.
Viktor Stalberg did not practice on Thursday but Quenneville said he's fine and he'll be on the trip.
Ray Emery, who came in to relieve Corey Crawford on Wednesday, will get the start Friday night in Ottawa.