Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane off NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

The move means Kane is cleared to play when the Hawks try for their first win of the season Monday night against the Senators.

By Ben Pope

The Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane has been taken off of the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane was removed from the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol Monday and participated in the team’s morning skate.

But Kane’s availability for morning skate was “unexpected,” coach Jeremy Colliton said, and he’ll need to clear several more tests in order to play Monday night against the Senators. Marc-Andre Fleury will start again for the Hawks in goal.

“Whenever we get [Kane] in, it’ll be a big boost,” Colliton said. “For the guys to see him on the ice means we’re moving in the right direction.”

Assistant coaches Tomas Mitell and Matt Meacham were also removed from the protocol Monday.

Kane entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol on Oct. 23 and has missed the last four games as a result after tallying one goal and four assists in the first five games this season.

Forwards Henrik Borgstrom and Jujhar Khaira, defenseman Riley Stillman and assistant coaches Marc Crawford and Jimmy Waite remain in the protocol.

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NHL removes Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane from COVID-19 protocol

The move means Kane is cleared to play when the Hawks try for their first win of the season Monday night against the Senators.