CHICAGO -- Patrick Kane is skating on his own and pleased with his recovery from surgery to repair a fractured left collarbone.
Whether the right wing will be able to return before the surgeon's estimated 12-week timetable remains to be seen, but he and the Chicago Blackhawks are encouraged by what's transpired.
"I think it's the same timetable, but I think how well he's skating and how well he's doing, I think he feels really good about where he's at," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said after the morning skate at United Center on Friday. "It's just a matter of when he can get that green light is probably going to be the hurdle. We like his approach. He's doing a lot of things out there he wants to do or is able to do. That's a good sign."
Quenneville was asked if he's hopeful Kane could return prior than the estimated time of recovery. Should he need all 12 weeks, his return wouldn't be until late May, which would be in the Western Conference Final.
"I've always hoped that," he said. "We'll see."
Kane was injured in the first period of a home game Feb. 24 against the Florida Panthers after a crosscheck by defenseman Alex Petrovic caused him to lose his balance and fall awkwardly into the side boards. Kane had surgery the next day and was placed on long-term injured reserve with the 12-week prognosis.
Quenneville said the decision will be made by the Blackhawks medical staff, led by Dr. Michael Terry.
"The first hurdle is you've got to be comfortable with the doctors," Quenneville said. "From there we'll make decisions on [him playing]. I think we're all in it collectively, but the doctors have the ultimate say on that."
Kane was tied for the NHL scoring lead with 64 points (27 goals) in 61 games when he was injured.