Blackhawks' Keith returns to practice following illness

by Ian McLaren

Mumps or not, Duncan Keith has been cleared to return to practice.

The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman was on the ice with his teammates Friday after being sidelined since Dec. 16 due to illness, which was classified as unlikely to be mumps-related.

No word yet on whether Keith will be available for Saturday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but all signs point to yes.

Advertisement