Blackhawks' Keith cleared for contact, could return this weekend
Chicago Blackhawks stud defenseman Duncan Keith was cleared for contact and could return to the lineup as early as this weekend, coach Joel Quenneville told reporters on Tuesday.
Keith was expected to miss four-to-six weeks following surgery on Oct. 20 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, but the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner was back at practice on Sunday. The 32-year-old Keith is expected to absorb some contact during Wednesday's practice, according to CSN Chicago's Tracey Myers.
Keith is eligible to be activated off long-term injured reserve on Saturday when the Blackhawks face the Central Division-rival St. Louis Blues. The team also plays the Calgary Flames on Sunday.
The two-time Norris Trophy winner has notched two assists in six contests in 2015-16 and was averaging a team-high 24:21 of ice time at the time of his injury.
And Keith has been cleared for contact. Will take some at tomorrow's practice. #Blackhawks
— Tracey Myers (@TramyersCSN) November 10, 2015
Joel Quenneville seemed optimistic that Duncan Keith will play either Saturday at St. Louis or Sunday vs. Calgary. #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 10, 2015
