CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg will likely return to the lineup against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday after missing more than a month with a hand injury, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said on Monday.
Versteeg hasn’t played since fracturing his left hand while blocking a shot in the Winter Classic on Jan. 1. He had surgery to repair the fracture and was originally expected to miss a month. He will miss his 16th consecutive game on Monday.
Versteeg began practicing with the Blackhawks again last week. He traveled with the team over the weekend.
Versteeg was among the team’s top offensive players before getting hurt. He has nine goals, 18 assists and is a plus-14 in 34 games this season. He was playing on a line with Brad Richards and Patrick Kane.