CHICAGO — Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson reunited with star forward Patrick Kane at the team's practice facility on Tuesday, ahead of Kane's first game at the United Center since returning to Chicago.
Toews greeted Kane after the morning skate and later joined him in the dressing room, where he also spoke with forward Connor Bedard, who is recovering from left shoulder surgery performed in July.
Hjalmarsson arrived with his sons, Theo and Oliver. He shook hands with defenseman Alex Vlasic and spoke with the Blackhawks' television crew before joining Kane and Toews for a pregame discussion.
The three players were central to the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015. All three made their NHL debuts with Chicago during the 2007-08 season.
Kane signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks on July 23, valued at $16 million with an $8 million average annual value.
Toews served as Blackhawks captain from 2008 until 2023, when the team did not re-sign him. After missing two NHL seasons due to health issues, he played last season for his hometown Winnipeg Jets before announcing his retirement in April.
Hjalmarsson concluded his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes, playing his final four seasons there. The Coyotes acquired him from the Blackhawks on June 23, 2017, in exchange for defenseman Connor Murphy. He retired from the NHL after the 2020-21 season.
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said, "It's obviously good to see guys like that. I don't know either of them great. I spent a little bit of time down there with Jonathan but obviously great, great Blackhawks."
Kane's return comes as the Blackhawks seek to rebound from an 0-3 start to the season. The team was outscored 15-5 during its three road losses, a struggle exacerbated by Bedard's absence. The Blackhawks are scheduled to play eight of their next nine games at the United Center.
