Chicago Blackhawks’ captain Jonathan Toews steps ahead in recovery but no timeline for return
Another day and another positive development in the recovery process of Chicago Blackhawks’ captain and centre, Jonathan Toews, yet the player is far from speculating a timeline for his return to the squad.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012, was another full practice session for the player when he did an extensive morning skate and workout and said to have not experienced any symptoms or problems.
His last game was 20th straight miss of the season with an upper body injury, which is believed to be a concussion or concussion-like symptoms.
The player is expected to sit out quite few more games as without a timeline, his recovery hopes remain in the air.
Following Tuesday’s workout he said to have remained fit and felt good about the process but despite that declined to confirm when he will be back to play a real game.
He said about the chances for his comeback:
"I hope so. I think even when I'm ready to start playing again, there’s still going to be some days where you’re going to have to progress toward feeling like myself again.”
He added:
“I haven’t made that decision for Thursday yet. I’ve have another full day before that. I’ll practice with the guys and we’ll see how that goes, and come Thursday we’ll make a decision."
The management has also maintained a mum over the process of his recovery. Earlier, there were some hopes in the front office that the player might rejoin the squad in the regular season.
Now with only a couple of games left to finish the current season, his comeback should most probably be due in the playoffs.
It is a rather difficult situation for the player to experience a lengthy amount of absence from the game due to the injury. The good thing about him is that he has remained positive throughout and is optimistic about recovering to hundred per cent fitness.
Blackhawks’ coach, Joel Quenneville, while commenting on the player’s fitness and chances for comeback, said that it was up to him to decide when he is fit and ready for return to the squad.
He said despite that the player has been progressing well the final decision of declaring his fitness and readiness will be the player’s own call.
The coach seemed to be less hopeful for his return in the regular season, but has left the option open and dependent over Toews’ progress in the next couple of days.
He realises that Toews’ absence has created certain difficulties for him to decide positions and the replacements.
Quenneville, however, ruled out any permanent change at Toews’ position in the longer run, saying they will see how the situation progresses in the near future.
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