Chicago Blackhawks rookie defenseman Kevin Korchinski and veteran D-man Jarred Tinordi participated fully in the team's practice on Thursday.
The smooth-skating Korchinski hasn't played since Dec. 7 against Anaheim. The 19-year-old returned to Chicago on Monday from his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan following the death of his father, Larry.
The rugged Tinordi, 31, has missed the last six games in concussion protocol. He sat out nine earlier this season with an oblique injury.
Coach Luke Richardson hinted one or both defensemen might be ready to return on Friday when the Blackhawks host the Montréal Canadiens.
"We just wanted to let them both have full-contact practice today and see how they're feeling tomorrow," Richardson said. "It was great to have both of them back and, you know, they seemed to be upbeat and light, lively in practice and that was great to see.
"They both bring different dimensions if they're able to play. One's a big physical guy and the other guy can really skate and help out on the power play."
Korchinski has two goals and five assists, but is a minus-12 in 25 games. See following video.
Vlasic Update
Rookie defenseman Alex Vlasic, who sustained an upper-body injury in a 7-1 loss in Seattle on Dec. 14, skated on his own before Thursday's session.
"Hopefully that progresses quickly to team practice, but not yet," Richardson said.
The 6-foot-6 22-year-old has been a bright spot this season, averaging 20:06 of ice time, second only to Seth Jones who's on IR. Vlasic has a plus-5 rating, tied for best on a team that's scored 73 goals while allowing 111.
Connor Bedard Linemates
In practice, NHL rookie scoring leader Connor Bedard skated again with wingers Ryan Donato and Lukas Reichel, his linemates from Tuesday's 3-2 win over Colorado. Bedard, who has 12 goals and 28 points, assisted on goals by both in the victory.
Winger Philipp Kurashev, a late scratch on Tuesday with what Richardson called "the flu" was back on the ice Thursday.
Kurashev has played with Bedard much of the season, but Richardson said he wanted to remain with Tuesday's combination while Kurashev "gets his legs under him."
"Just let that (line combination) start," Richardson said. "It's an easy switch to flip Kurshie back there."