It’s a busy day at the Fifth Third Arena with the news of Kyle Davidson being named the team’s new GM and the upcoming press conference this afternoon. But first, the Blackhawks got some familiar faces back at practice.
Jonathan Toews (concussion) and Calvin de Haan (groin) were on the ice as regular participants for the Blackhawks this morning.
Jonathan Toews on the ice for #Blackhawks practice today pic.twitter.com/o60qnoVzw7
— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) March 1, 2022
As you can see from our friend Mario Tirabassi, the captain is on the ice and in a red jersey, a sign that he’s progressing towards a return game-action. Toews has been sidelined in concussion protocol since January 26. Toews has 19 points in 43 games this season after missing the entire 2020-21 season.
Calvin de Haan – who has been hampered with a groin injury since leaving the February 20 contest with the Florida Panthers early – was on the ice at Fifth Third Arena this morning as a regular participant as well, but left the ice early.
Calvin de Haan just left practice early. #Blackhawks https://t.co/l7EU1WsWls
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 1, 2022
Seth Jones was a non-participant (maintenance day) in practice this morning.
The Blackhawks had Jonathan Toews working on the second line with Alex DeBrincat and Tyler Johnson (also expected to return soon after an extended absence) while Dominik Kubalรยญk, Dylan Strome, and Patrick Kane formed the top line and Philipp Kurashev, Kirby Dach, and Brandon Hagel formed the third line. Sam Lafferty, Ryan Carpenter, and MacKenzie Entwistle were grouped as well.
Head coach Derek King said after Sunday’s loss to the St. Louis Blues that line changes were likely coming after what he described as an offensive unit that is getting stagnant.