Forward Kris Versteeg was on the ice for the Blackhawks’ morning skate on Saturday at the United Center.
Versteeg has been sidelined with a lower body injury he sustained during a practice on October 7. coach Joel Quenneville said after the injury that he expected the forward to sit about three weeks, but that may have changed.
“We’ll get a better indication Monday,” Quenneville said. “I know that first time skating with the guys, I thought he did well, said he felt really good in the last two days.”
“Today he looked fine as well. I don’t expect him to be too long. I don’t think he’ll be (gone) as long as we initially forecast it.”
Versteeg was disappointed with the setback because he spent most of last season recovering from an ACL surgery and was finally able to train this past summer instead of rehabbing.
“I was pretty devastated,” the winger said. “You never want to miss time, especially at the start of a season when you’re just jelling with a line and jelling with guys.”
Kris was optimistic about nearing his return following the morning skate and said he doesn’t believe there will be any lingering effects from his injury.
“I was really excited I know last night just to get back out there with the guys and see how I would be in a practice, in a morning skate more, so it’s a little slowed down,” Versteeg said. “It’s feeling good, just taking it day by day now.”
Back on the ice: Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival will be making his return to the lineup Saturday night against the Predators at the United Center. Coach Quenneville said it’s “likely” Rozsival will be paired with 23-year old defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk.
In net: Goaltender Corey Crawford is scheduled to start for the Hawks against the Predators.
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