Patrick Kane Injury: Updates on Blackhawks Star's Clavicle and Recovery

Patrick Kane has been progressing in his rehab from a clavicle injury and has been cleared to return as the Chicago Blackhawks prepare for their playoff series vs. Nashville. He has been cleared to return and announced he plans to play in Game 1.  

Continue for updates.

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Kane Cleared for Return, Says He'll Play Game 1

Tuesday, April 14

According to Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times, Kane said he will play in Game 1 against the Predators. Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune shared his comments: "That's the plan."

Dan Rosen of NHL.com reported on April 13 that Kane has been cleared to return.

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune reported earlier on Monday that Kane was cleared for contact as the Blackhawks prepare for the postseason. The Blackhawks star later said he "didn't really know" if he would be ready for Game 1 vs. Nashville.

Kuc provided comments from Kane, who said, "Overall, I feel pretty good. I just have to take it day by day right now."

However, head coach Joel Quenneville later told Kuc that Kane could play in the contest.

On April 5, Paul Skrbina of the Chicago Tribune reported that Kane could return for the first round of the postseason:

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When Patrick Kane is able to return from a broken left collarbone remains to be seen, but it could be sooner than expected. Kane, who has missed 18 games, has been practicing with the team. Coach Joel Quenneville didn't rule out a return for the first round of the playoffs. "Tough to say," Quenneville said Sunday. "Medical clearance is the hurdle. ... That's where it's at." Kane cannot return before the postseason because of salary-cap rules.

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On April 1, NHL.com reported that Kane had returned to practice. However, Kuc reported that Kane remained on a 12-week timetable although he was optimistic of returning sooner. 

On Feb. 25, the Blackhawks announced they had placed Kane on long-term injured reserve with the clavicle injury.

The team also announced Kane's successful surgery and had a quote from head team physician Dr. Michael Terry:

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The procedure was performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital by Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry and Dr. Bradley Merk.

"Patrick underwent successful surgery today to repair his left clavicle fracture," Terry said. "The procedure went very well and we anticipate a full recovery in approximately 12 weeks."

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Kane suffered the injury after Florida defender Alex Petrovic hit him with a cross-check, for which he received a two-minute penalty. Kane went to the Blackhawks locker room to be attended to by trainers but was later ruled out.

While few teams in the NHL have the Blackhawks' depth, Kane is a valuable piece of the puzzle for Chicago. 

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