Sat 10/11/14 1:22 PM

Versteeg (lower body) reported Saturday that his condition is improving, but said he still remains a few weeks away from a return, ESPN Chicago reports. Versteeg is expected to return to the ice at some point next week, when the Blackhawks will begin easing him back into a full workload. Ben Smith is expected to occupy Versteeg's spot in the lineup until he's deemed ready for a return.