Jonathan Toews hit the ice at Johnnys Ice House before the Chicago Blackhawks practice on Thursday. Teammates took notice of their captains return, even if it was for just a solo skate.
We saw him working hard; he looked pretty good, Duncan Keith said. Its so good to see his face all red and sweating and coming off the ice like hes working hard. We havent seen that in a while so its nice to see.
Its only a step, but it was an encouraging one when Toews took the ice for the first time since Feb. 19, his last game before being sidelined with a concussion. While its still tough to put a specific timetable on Toews' return, coach Joel Quenneville said Thursday was a good sign.
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Its a big first step seeing him out there, so well see how hes progressing, Quenneville said. Off that, well certainly have a (better) idea that hes closer.
Toews has missed the last eight games with a concussion, and the Blackhawks have gone 4-4-0 without him. But as much as the Blackhawks would love to have their captain back, theres no rush when it comes to health.
You never know with those things, Viktor Stalberg said. Youve seen setbacks with a few guys in the league and for (ours), too. Its great to see him out there. We need him back. Hopefully he makes progress because we need him here.
Niklas Hjalmarsson is also making progress off his concussion, one thats caused him to miss all but one game over the last monthhe came back against the Dallas Stars on Feb. 23 but later said he knew something was off immediately in that game.
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Hes been frustrated at sitting this long.
Its the first time in the last couple of years here Ive been out for a long period of time, he said. Ive had injuries before but Ive been able to play through them. Its real painful to just practice and not play and you see the guys battling on the ice. Hopefully Ill be out there with them tomorrow.
Fellow defenseman Sami Lepisto, however, will not be back anytime soon. Quenneville said Lepisto is out indefinitely after David Perron rolled over the back of his left leg in St. Louis on Tuesday.
Ray Emery will start tomorrow against the Rangers, who play in Ottawa tonight. Martin Biron is slated to start in net against the Senators.