CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Daniel Carcillo has returned to skating, and coach Joel Quenneville said Tuesday that Carcillo could practice with the team later this week after suffering a lower-body injury in the season opener.
"He's doing good," Quenneville said. "He skated today. Danny still isn't in our practices yet, but hopefully some point this week he may get injected to those practices."
Carcillo had to be helped off the ice after he collided with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty against the boards late in the third period in the season opener on Jan. 19. It was Carcillo's first game since tearing the ACL in his left knee against the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 2, 2012. He required season-ending surgery last season.
The latest injury to Carcillo was not to the same knee he previously injured, a source told ESPNChicago.com.
Carcillo skated with Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews on the team's first line in the season opener and had one assist. Rookie forward Brandon Saad has replaced Carcillo on the first line since the injury.
Quenneville said he looks forward to adding Carcillo, who signed a two-year deal last March, to the team's mix again even though it likely will mean breaking up the consistency of one of the four lines.
"No, we love those kind of decisions and we welcome tough ones," Quenneville said. "The depth is something we went into the start of the season that you know you're going to be tested and challenged. Today, we look relatively healthy, but we'll see. Danny had a great game his first game back. We hope he's at that same pace when he gets back."
Carcillo skated with Steve Montador (head injury) and Rostislav Olesz (knee) prior to Tuesday's morning skate. Quenneville said all three players are progressing.