It’s official. The Chicago Blackhawks activated Jonathan Toews and Riley Stillman from injured reserve and Tyler Johnson from LTIR. All three players will suit up when the Edmonton Oilers visit the United Center tonight.
This “news” isn’t new, however. On Tuesday, Derek King said getting all three players back Thursday was “the game plan.” That plan is now solidified.
Jonathan Toews entered concussion protocol on Jan. 28, causing him to miss the Blackhawks’ last 11 games. He cleared protocol earlier this week and fully participated in multiple practices.
Tyler Johnson played in just eight games before a neck injury eventually led to artificial disc replacement surgery. It’s been a long recovery process, but tonight Johnson will finally play his first game since Oct. 29.
Riley Stillman has been on injured reserve since Jan. 22 due to a shoulder injury. The 23-year-old missed 14 games but will now return to the Blackhawks’ blue line against Edmonton.
The Blackhawks and Oilers do battle at 7:30 PM CST tonight from the United Center. It’s Niklas Hjalmarsson’s legacy night and Duncan Keith’s first visit to Chicago since being traded to the Oilers. Both occasions should make for a monumental night on West Madison St.
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