NHL Training Camp 2011: Patrick Kane Heads Up Chicago's Healing 'Hawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are less than a month away from the start of training camp, and the drive back to the top of the NHL's Western Conference. At this point in time, players are honing their games for another possible run to the Stanley Cup.

For some Blackhawks, that includes getting back to 100 percent from a physical standpoint.

Patrick Kane made an appearance on Toronto radio station Fan-590 Tuesday to talk to host Joey Vendetta about the upcoming season. On the topic of his surgically-repaired left wrist, Kane mentioned that all was going well and that he figured to be ready for the start of the regular season.

He did, however, mention that "I'm not going to rush anything," when it came to training camp, citing his priority as being set for the regular season opener October 7th.

"That's the date I'm working for," Kane said. "No rush, because things are going pretty well right now."

The interview came out the day after general manager Stan Bowman announced that Kane was progressing toward a return to the ice in time for camp, which opened the door to speculation.

No problems were revealed in Kane's rehabilitation from the surgery. The slightly different updates from the team and the player, especially one of Kane's profile, caused some ripples in the pond. However, there is no need for panic at this point of the summer.

That said, here are several Blackhawks who are hoping for a clean bill of health after suffering late season injuries.

Patrick Kane's Left Wrist (but Don't Forget His Ankle)

According to Kane, he injured the wrist in the penultimate regular season contest. Initial X-rays showed nothing, but nagging pain in the wrist during summer workouts led to another look.

A scaphoid fracture of the wrist required surgery on July 19th. Kane was evaluated Monday and seems to be making sufficient progress for Bowman to make his statement that the 22-year-old winger will be back for the start of camp.

Kane should also be fully recovered from an ankle sprain that kept him out of the lineup for eight games in December.

Bryan Bickell's Right Wrist

Bickell suffered a laceration of the tendons in his right wrist after a Game 2 collision with Vancouver's Sami Salo in the playoffs back in April.

Bickell missed Game 3, then played in the series' next three games before having to shut it down, going under the knife on April 25th. At the time, recovery time was set at six to eight weeks.

The team's official website checked in with Bickell early this month. Bickell indicated that he was working out and was looking to get back on the ice in August. He also hosted a golf tournament in July and apparently had no trouble swinging a club.

There's also video of Bickell, from a local television feature in Peterborough that shows him working out post-tournament, and the wrist doesn't appear to be a problem. It appears that Bickell will be back for camp, ready to match some impressive rookie numbers.

Patrick Sharp's Left Knee

Sharp missed seven games with an injury to his left knee, returning just before the playoffs. You could tell the knee was still bothering him even as he gutted it out against Vancouver.

With a new extension in hand and some down time to make a full recovery, Sharp looks to be good as new and ready for the upcoming season.

Now, if the 'Hawks can just decide where he lines up this fall...

Rostislav Olesz-Knee

Olesz missed the last 21 games of last season for Florida with a knee injury. He underwent surgery in the offseason. According to Bowman on June 25th, he should be ready for camp.

Having come over from the Panthers in exchange for Brian Campbell, the 'Hawks are trying to be optimistic that Olesz can realize the potential of a high first-round draft pick. To have any chance of doing that, the big wing has to be fully recovered from the February injury.

Concussion Issues for Several Players

The 'Hawks have several players who are looking to put concussions behind them in the new season.

Dave Bolland missed 17 games after a concussion suffered March 9th in Tampa Bay. He returned for four playoff games, most notably in a big Game 4 versus the Canucks.

Bolland's health has been a big issue over the last two seasons, having played just 39 games in 2009-10 after undergoing back surgery. If Bolland can stay on the ice, expect good things.

Brent Seabrook has also had the summer to recover from a concussion suffered in Game 3 of the Vancouver series that the 'Hawks could have handled better, as I wrote back in June.

Jeremy Morin might be a favorite for a roster spot if not for his missing the second half of the season after hitting his head on the ice while with Rockford in January. The injury wasn't officially listed as a concussion, but it's hard to think the injury wasn't head-related.

With a clean slate health-wise, Morin looks to compete for a spot on the team.

Although the summer is a time for all players to recover from the rigors of the NHL season (Marian Hossa comes to mind), these players hope to come into training camp free of the injuries that hampered them late last season.