Chicago Blackhawks rookie Jonathan Toews expects to end his 16-game absence due to a knee injury on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks.
"It's been long enough at this point," Toews said after practising with a brace on his knee Saturday in Vancouver. "It's taken pretty good care of itself and I don't think anything is at risk by going out and playing at this point. We've given it enough time to rest up and recover properly."
Jonathan Toews has 32 points in 36 games as a rookie.
(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Toews, 19, was among the NHL rookie leaders with 32 points in 36 games when he suffered a sprained knee during a 9-2 loss at Los Angeles on New Year's Day.
More than a month later, he's still fourth on the Blackhawks in scoring — a race led by fellow rookie Patrick Kane, who has 46 points in 54 games.
Toews' 15 goals rank him third on the team, behind Patrick Sharp (25) and Robert Lang (17). Among all rookies, only Phoenix's Peter Mueller (19) has more goals.
With files from the Associated Press
