Keith (knee) was cleared for contact Tuesday, and could return to game action as soon as Saturday against the Blues, Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

Keith returned to the ice for Sunday's morning skate, marking the first time the star defender has skated since undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 20. He was cleared for contact Tuesday, and is expected to be a full participant in Wednesday's practice. The Hawks may opt to hold Keith out of Saturday's tilt against the Blues so that he can make his return in the second of back-to-back games Sunday against the Flames. That way, Keith wouldn't immediately be over-exerted less than four weeks after undergoing knee surgery, and would have a few days to rest before next Wednesday's matchup with the Oilers. Either way, Keith's impending return will be a tremendous boost to Chicago's depleted defensive corps.