GLENDALE, Ariz.--Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews returned to the ice for the first time since suffering a concussion Oct. 21 as he joined teammates for Wednesday's practice at Jobing.com Arena.
Toews has missed four games since Vancouver's Willie Mitchell crunched him with an open-ice hit. The center's return to practice could put him on track to play Thursday night when the Hawks take on the Coyotes or Friday night against the Avalanche in Colorado.
"I felt great," Toews said. "We have some time in between now and (Thursday night) so hopefully it progresses like is has in the past week or so, We'll see how it goes (Thursday)."
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Make certain that you are well and healthy Johnny before you come back.
While I'm sure Toews wants very badly to get back into action, remember this is a franchise player (not to speak of a young man with his life ahead of him, regardless of hockey) and it's much better to err on the side of caution when the decision comes for when to come back.
Another day or two will have little impact on this season, but could have drastic impacts on this and ones to come if he's re-injured and out for months or forever.