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Defenseman van Riemsdyk Rejoins Blackhawks

By Chris Emma-

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Blackhawks have been in need of help on the blue line, and they could get a big boost without help from the trade market.

Trevor van Riemsdyk skated with the Blackhawks on Friday for the first time since suffering a left patella fracture in November. The 23-year-old rookie defenseman is nearing the completion of a long rehab process and hopes to return to Chicago's lineup soon.

"We'll take it day by day, but (he made) signficant progress this week," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said.

van Riemsdyk was the surprise of Chicago's training camp and earned one of the team's final roster spots. He had begun to show comfort in the Blackhawks' lineup and gain the trust of Quenneville before his injury. A Dallas shot struck his leg and forced a long recovery.

The early returns from van Riemsdyk's stint are encouraging, but he still has work to accomplish before taking the ice again for game action.

"Make sure I get myself ready, get myself back, take care of myself and not really worry about that other stuff," van Riemsdyk said. "That's out of my hands."

Quenneville didn't elaborate on the timetable for van Riemsdyk's return to a game, stressing that the defenseman must go through contact in practice to prove his readiness.

The Blackhawks have been seeking depth in defensemen for the playoff push, and van Riemsdyk could provide that. However, he's still an unproven rookie. Chicago is eagerly awaiting more time on the ice to evaluate what he can do.

"He said he felt good," Quenneville said. "Really nice to see a positive stretch for him. We want to get him playing as soon as possible."

Before proving himself as an asset for the Blackhawks, van Riemsdyk must show he's ready enough to take the ice. That could come soon.

"All I can do is work hard and rehab, in the gym and on the ice, and just let them know that if they need me, I can be there," van Riemsdyk said.

Chicago hosts division rival Colorado on Friday night, looking to extend its points streak to eight games. Corey Crawford will be in net for Chicago, while forward Daniel Carcillo is away from the team to attend services for former teammate Steve Montador.

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