Blackhawks’ Johnson set to return after missing 14 games

Returning from their off week, the banged-up Blackhawks got some good news Monday as forward Tyler Johnson was able to practice at Fifth Third Arena and should play Wednesday against Minnesota.

Johnson, who missed 14 games with a foot injury, is tied for third on the team with 9 goals.

“It'll be great (to have him back,)” said coach Luke Richardson. “He can go anywhere in the lineup and help on both special teams if we need.

“And he's just got a good work ethic – and a veteran guy that's won a Stanley Cup. Really invaluable to get him back.”

Connor Bedard, who broke his jaw Jan. 5 at New Jersey, continues to skate and do some shooting on his own. Richardson said the rookie might be able to join the team for some non-contact pre-practice drills soon, but that he's “still a ways away” from full practices.

Bedard is likely three-to-four weeks away from returning to game action.

In other injury news:

∎ Connor Murphy (lower body) skated Sunday but was not on the ice Monday. He remains day to day.

∎ Forward Anthony Beauvillier is skating, but he has a brace on his wrist and is not able to handle a puck or shoot yet. He could be back in two weeks.

∎ Forward Andreas Athanasiou (groin) should be back on the ice soon, but there is still no timeline for his return. Richardson was optimistic that Athanasiou, who hasn't played since Nov. 9, will play at some point this season.

Home, sweet home

Nine of the Hawks' 10 games are at home in February, beginning with Minnesota on Wednesday. After that, Artemi Panarin and the first-place New York Rangers come to town Friday; first-place Vancouver visits February 13; Sidney Crosby and the Penguins visit February 15; and the improving Ottawa Senators (6-2-2 last 10) are at United Center on February 17 for a 2 p.m. puck drop.

“(It'll be) a little less wear and tear on everybody,” said coach Luke Richardson. “You can focus more on practice and get a little more practice time. … This will be a big month for us, but we've got to take advantage of it by starting off fast in the first game and in the first period and the first shift.”

The Hawks are 10-11-1 at home and 4-23-1 on the road.