Blackhawks Targeting Jan. 1 for Jujhar Khaira’s Return to Lineup

While the Chicago Blackhawks await their next game, they’re getting back into the swing of things at practice following the NHL’s Holiday Break. Following Tuesday’s session, interim head coach Derek King said he hopes to get forward Jujhar Khaira back in the lineup on Jan. 1 at Nashville.

Khaira suffered a concussion after being knocked out cold by a hit from Jacob Trouba on Dec. 7. It was an extremely scary situation as he exited the ice on a stretcher and went to the hospital for further evaluation. After spending two weeks in concussion protocol, Khaira returned to Blackhawks’ practice on Dec. 21.

On the season, Khaira has two goals while averaging 13:54 of ice time across 18 games. Getting him back in the forward group would be beneficial considering Brett Connolly must serve a four-game suspension when the Blackhawks return to game action.

Due to postponements wiping out their Dec. 28 and Dec. 29 contests, the Hawks’ next scheduled game won’t take place until the calendar flips to 2022. If that New Year’s Day tilt against the Predators proceeds as planned, Jujhar Khaira could potentially return to game action.