Blackhawks F Khaira could return Saturday against Predators

Posted December 28, 2021 6:00 am

By JAY COHEN

FILE - Chicago Blackhawks center Jujhar Khaira (16) in action during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, on Dec. 2, 2021, in Washington. Khaira could return when the team visits Nashville on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. Khaira hasn't played since he was stretchered off the ice following a big hit by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba on Dec. 7. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Blackhawks forward Jujhar Khaira could return when the team visits Nashville on Saturday.

Khaira hasn't played since he was stretchered off the ice following a big hit by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba on Dec. 7. Khaira spent the night in the hospital, and the team cited the NHL's concussion protocol when it placed him on injured reserve.

The Blackhawks' matchup with the Predators is their first game since Dec. 18.

'œObviously we don't want to be postponed, but I think the postponement of some of these games have helped some guys, especially a player like (Khaira), who's coming off the injury,'ť interim coach Derek King said Tuesday. 'œSo I believe, I'm hoping that he's ready to go once we get back to work here.'ť

The 27-year-old Khaira has two goals and no assists in 18 games in his first season with the Blackhawks. He agreed in July to a two-year contract that carries a $975,000 salary-cap hit.

Khaira was selected by Edmonton in the third round of the 2012 draft. He made his debut with the Oilers on Nov. 28, 2015, becoming the third player of Punjabi descent to play in the NHL.

Khaira has 26 goals and 39 assists in 276 career games.

Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson also is feeling better after he had neck surgery on Dec. 3. Johnson skated after the team practiced on Tuesday.

'œI'm not sure over the break if he even did anything. I don't think he did, so this would probably be the first time," King said. 'œIt was just nice to see him out there.'ť

Johnson has one goal and two assists in eight games in his first season with Chicago after he was acquired in a July trade with Tampa Bay.

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Jay Cohen can be reached at https://twitter.com/jcohenap

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Chicago Blackhawks center Jujhar Khaira (16) leaves the ice on a stretcher after he was knocked out by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) The Associated Press

Chicago Blackhawks center Jujhar Khaira (16) lays on the ice after being knocked out by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) The Associated Press

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