Veteran D-Man Connor Murphy appears to be ready to return from a core injury that's sidelined him since January.

The Blackhawk returned Wyatt Kaiser, their top defenseman prospect as rated by 2024 THN Future Watch, to Rockford of the AHL on Monday.

The move likely signals that veteran D-man Connor Murphy, out since Jan. 13 with a soft tissue injury in his core, is close to returning. Murphy said he hoped to play again this week and felt it was important to close out the season skating in several games. Chicago has five remaining, including Wednesday at St. Louis.

Kaiser just completed his third stint this season with Chicago, this one lasting nine games from March 19 to last Sunday, April 9.  The 21-year-old Twin Cities area native had three assists and was a minus-1 in the contests while averaging just under 19 minutes of ice time.

Kaiser Ranked No. 3 Behind Moore, Nazar By THN Future Watch

Kaiser was ranked third overall among Chicago's prospects – behind forwards Oliver Moore and Frank Nazar III — by THN Future Watch's scouting panel.

The smooth-skating Kaiser started 2023-24 with the Blackhawks and had some strong efforts. He was sent to Rockford after 21 games — and a rough night at Detroit against the Red Wings — as his confidence and play unravelled.

Kaiser returned for two games in December when the Blackhawks were hit by injuries.

For the season, Kaiser has played in 32 games for Chicago, recording no goals, seven assists and an even plus/minus mark. In 31 games at Rockford, the former Minnesota-Duluth standout has three goals, 12 assists. The IceHogs will be in the AHL playoffs, giving Kaiser more ice time.

Murphy Set to Return?

Murphy, one of Chicago's alternate captains, joined the Blackhawks full practice on Tuesday.

He's expected to return on Friday against Nashville. Jarred Tinordi will take Kaiser's place in the lineup on Wednesday at St. Louis.

Murphy, 31, said he originally expected to return within a few weeks of being injured, but the condition was trickier than expected.

"I've woken up literally every day wondering, like 'Is today the day it's better and it's better?" he said. "Now you're finally back to going (in practice) with the guys, so it's nice."

Murphy said he was able to get an accurate diagnosis of this condition, osteitis pubis, and communicated with other NHLers who had it. He learned players had very different experiences with their recoveries.

Among those he reached out to was longtime San Jose forward Logan Couture.

"It's nice to know you're not the only one going through a confusing time trying to figure it out." See video.