Hawks' Campbell enjoys first day on ice

Anyone who doesn't think the Blackhawks have missed Brian Campbell over the first month of the season hasn't been watching the games very closely.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville reeled off the list of ways Campbell's absence has been felt by the team.

“Whether it's alleviating zone time or getting cleaner exits out of our zone, that's probably one thing you notice Soupy on,” Quenneville said. “He's a threat off the rush and off the offensive point, but probably our puck possession game is probably the one area he enhances.”

Campbell is close to returning to the Hawks' lineup after missing the last four weeks with a sprained right knee, but it might not be this weekend.

While Quenneville said Tuesday he hoped the defenseman would be available either Saturday at Minnesota or Monday at New York, Campbell was taking the cautious road Wednesday morning after his first full skate back with his teammates.

“I have to get into shape here,” Campbell said. “I feel good, like recovery, but it's not in game shape yet. Today was my first day with the guys and it was a good challenge. I'm feeling better every day. I'd like to get back as soon as possible, but I'm not sure when that date is yet.”

Campbell should get his first taste of contact in practice on Thursday.

“We'll get a better indication as he progress here this week,” Quenneville said. “He's been moving along pretty well here, but contact is a big step for him, and we haven't got there yet.”

Campbell will play the rest of this season with a knee brace, but he doesn't expect it to hinder his skating, which is the strength of his game.

“It feels really good, actually,” Campbell said. “I don't mind it at all. I've asked a lot of questions to the other guys that have them. After the first couple days, after you get the straps tightened to where you want them, you feel comfortable.”