The Chicago Blackhawks may receive a reinforcement among their forward group next week. Head coach Luke Richardson said Andreas Athanasiou could play on the team's upcoming three-game road trip.
Athanasiou last played on Nov. 9 when he suffered a groin/hip injury in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He remained off the ice for three months but resumed skating in a non-contact capacity on Feb. 10. The speedy winger appears to be making strides in his recovery as he was a full participant in Blackhawks' practices this week.
Before going on the shelf, Athanasiou logged four assists in 11 games. While the Blackhawks don't have much to play for down the stretch aside from draft positioning, getting back in the swing of things could be beneficial for Athanasiou going into next season.
The Blackhawks' upcoming road trip begins with back-to-back games against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday and the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday. Richardson didn't commit to a firm date for Athanasiou's return but hinted that the road trip finale at Washington on Saturday, March 10 could be a target date.
Before the road swing, the Blackhawks wrap up a five-game homestand when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the United Center on Saturday. Puck drop is at 7 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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