Jonathan Toews C WPG Thu 4/5/12 9:34 AM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
It sounds like Jonathan Toews (concussion) still has some concussion symptoms.
"There are still signs of a concussion lingering," Toews said. "When that's completely gone, then I'll be comfortable playing. It's one of those things where it's very easy for it to come back if one little thing goes wrong." There was a lot of speculation that Toews would return on Thursday, but as previously reported, that won't be the case. He might play in Chicago's season finale on Saturday, but obviously nothing is set in stone.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Wed 4/4/12 2:07 PM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) will travel with the team on their two-game road trip to end the regular season, but he won't play on Thursday night against Minnesota.
"I'll go on the trip and I'll be excited to be back in the mix with the boys," said the Hawks captain after Wednesday's practice. "I'm practicing with them every day when they're on the ice now. I'm getting closer and closer to getting back into the routine and schedule and being part of the group." Toews said he has passed the NHL's concussion protocols, but he also hinted that he isn't completely symptom-free just yet.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Wed 4/4/12 9:59 AM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) still isn't sure if he'll return Thursday.
"I haven't made that decision for Thursday yet," the Toews said. "We have another full day before that and another practice with the guys. We'll see how that goes, and come Thursday, we'll make a decision." Obviously, the last thing Toews wants to do is return before he's ready and then suffer a setback. That being said, returning Thursday would give him two games to shake off the rust before the playoffs start. He's been sidelined for about a month and a half.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Tue 4/3/12 3:59 PM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews has been cleared for contact and the Chicago captain hopes to return Thursday at Minnesota.
Should Toews return against the Wild, coach Joel Quenneville and his staff have talked about putting him right back as the center on the top line with either Marian Hossa or Patrick Kane moving to left wing. Toews has missed 20 games and the game Thursday in St. Paul is one of two remaining contests for the Blackhawks, who finish at Detroit on Saturday.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Mon 4/2/12 9:38 AM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) was sidelined for his 20th consecutive contest on Sunday.
The good news is that Toews was on the ice Sunday and might have even taken some contact. It's entirely possible that he'll play in Thursday's game. "We're hopeful, but there's no target," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "If he can play, if he's ready, he'll be going. If not, we'll be patient."
Jonathan Toews C WPG Sun 4/1/12 8:40 AM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) was cleared for contact and will likely play in one of Chicago's games this coming week.
This is great news for the Hawks. It may be a little late for those of you who were counting on Toews for your regular season pool, though. The Blackhawks want Toews to get into some game action before the playoffs start so, barring a setback, he should dress for at least one, possible two of the team's games next week. Get ready to activate him.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Sat 3/31/12 3:03 PM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) might return to the Blackhawks' lineup as early as Thursday.
That would give Toews a bit of time to shake off the rust before the playoffs start. Toews skated again on Saturday and he might be cleared for contact soon.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Thu 3/29/12 2:29 PM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews believes he could be back in the lineup next week from his concussion if everything goes well.
"I definitely need a few more days to kind of see how it goes through this weekend, and we'll see where we're at next week, I guess," said an optimistic Toews. "Right now, like I said, I'm feeling great. I just have to get those legs going and try to get myself back to being as close to game shape as I can." Coach Joel Quenneville said the Hawks captain might be cleared for contact "in the next day or so," which would help that timetable. Chicago closes out their regular season with two games on the road next week in Minnesota (Thursday) and at Detroit (Saturday).
Jonathan Toews C WPG Wed 3/28/12 10:12 AM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) was on the ice for an eighth straight day on Tuesday.
That's encouraging, but as you might have guessed, there's still no known timetable for his return. Anything could happen, but with just a week and a half left in the regular season, we would be surprised if Toews returned before the playoffs.
Jonathan Toews C WPG Mon 3/26/12 7:25 AM
Jonathan Toews
C WPG
Jonathan Toews (concussion) skated for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday.
Toews is getting close to a return but still has not been cleared for contact in practice. "We haven't discussed that yet," coach Joel Quenneville said when asked when Toews will be cleared for contact. "He'll tell us when that time is close and hopefully it's soon." Stay tuned.