Hull would like to see No. 3 retired

Someday the Blackhawks might add to the five uniform numbers that are retired in the United Center rafters, and if that day should come, Bobby Hull knows what he'd like to see happen.

Hull thinks No. 3 should join those banners belonging to himself, Stan Mikita, Denis Savard, Glenn Hall and Tony Esposito as a double honor for defensemen Pierre Pilote and the late Keith Magnuson.

"People have asked me that question, and one number kind of looms maybe ahead of everyone else and it would cover a couple of guys," Hull said. "There's no doubt in my mind that if the Blackhawks were to retire another number, I think No. 3 would be looked upon as the number.

"I played with Pierre Pilote, and he was our captain and a great defenseman, and we all know what kind of man Keith Magnuson was and how he is missed by everyone."

It has been Hawks policy to only retire numbers of former players inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Pilote would qualify on that front, having gone into the Hall in 1975.

Pilote played for the Hawks from 1955-68 and won three straight Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenseman starting in 1963.

Ready to go: Center Kevyn Adams, out since the 15th game of the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, is ready to return to the lineup.

The problem is, Hawks coach Denis Savard has been reluctant to break up his lineup, particularly the fourth line of Adam Burish, Craig Adams and Ben Eager.

"It's a tough call. (Kevyn Adams is) one of my leaders and has worked hard to get back, but he understands," Savard said. "At some point things happen and he's ready. We'll see what happens for the next game."

Unfortunately for the Hawks, something did happen in Friday's game against San Jose when Eager partially dislocated a shoulder in the first period on a hit by a Kyle McLaren in the neutral zone.

Nice touch: Former public address announcer Harvey Wittenberg returned to handle the duties Friday for one night as part of the festivities for Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita.

Since you asked: Bobby Hull wasn't offering advice to general manager Dale Tallon, but since he was asked what he thought the Hawks needed to improve, he answered.

"Some seasoned players wouldn't, a couple big defensemen and maybe a big centerman always helps," Hull said. "I'm a big believer of strength down the middle."

Tip-ins: Nikolai Khabibulin began some light exercise Friday for the first time since getting a shot on Monday for his back spasms. The Hawks hope Khabibulin can start skating next week. …

Jeremy Roenick wasn't looking at Friday's game as his last in Chicago. Roenick said he hopes to play another season, although he could change his mind if the Sharks win the Stanley Cup.