Blackhawks injuries updates: Toews resumes skating, Hjalmarsson 'hopeful' to come back, Lepisto out indefinitely

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews skated by himself just before practice Thursday at Johnny's IceHouse West. But Toews, who's recuperating from the concussion, will still miss his ninth game consecutively Friday once the Hawks host the brand new You are able to Rangers.

But it is a good sign for Toews, that has been taking part in just off-ice workout routines within the last week approximately. Toews has not performed since February. 19 from the St. Louis Blues.

"He'd a great skate today and that he felt good," coach Joel Quenneville stated. "It is extremely exciting for all of us to determine him out here. He was urged too. It had been an excellent day."

Toews told Quenneville he felt OK after his first skate in days.

"He felt good and that is some of it too,Inch Quenneville stated. "It is a large initial step, seeing him out here. But we'll observe how he's advancing. It had been nice to determine him."

There's still no timetable for Toews' return.

"But from that, we'll certainly obtain a [better] concept that it can be closer," Quenneville stated. "We'll see."

On defense

Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (concussion) required part used Thursday and stated he's "hopeful" he is able to play Friday from the Rangers. He's skipped 12 from the last 13 games.

"I am a hopeful guy," Hjalmarsson stated. "I usually wish to play, but it is one of individuals things."

Can he fit everything in he really wants to do around the ice?

"Yeah, otherwise I would not be useful," Hjalmarsson stated.

Defenseman Sami Lepisto, though, has gone out indefinitely after his left leg was hurt when St. Louis Blues forward David Perron fell onto it within the second period on Tuesday.

"Sami isn't just day-to-day, he's out for a little here," Quenneville stated. "We'll say indefinitely on him."