Corey Crawford is getting closer to returning.
Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville told Eric Lear of Blackhawk TV on Saturday at the United Center that Crawford could practice with the team as early as Monday and “if not Monday, early next week.” Chicago hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday in their preseason finale.
Earlier this week, Quenneville said it’s unlikely Crawford will be ready for the team’s season opener Thursday at Ottawa.
Crawford has gone through individual skating and condition sessions with goaltending coach Jimmy Waite throughout training camp, and faced shots from teammates Saturday.
Corey Crawford taking a variety of different shots this morning pic.twitter.com/l8tdPbBzdv
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 29, 2018
Dylan Sikura vs. Corey Crawford pic.twitter.com/HqkzUfQV1B
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 29, 2018
Forsling vs. Crawford pic.twitter.com/u472aySqAs
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 29, 2018
At the start of camp, Crawford reveled he suffered a concussion last December which had kept him sidelined for most of the season.
Chicago is expected to turn to veteran Cam Ward as the team’s No. 1 netminder while Crawford works his way back. The Hawks signed Ward to a one-year deal worth $3 million in July. Goaltenders Collin Delia and Anton Forsberg are also with the team.