Blackhawks' Patrick Kane (collarbone) returns to practice

Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Kane returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since breaking his collarbone in February.

Chicago Blackhawks center Patrick Kane returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since breaking his collarbone in February, Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago reports.

Kane, 26, was injured during Chicago’s win over the Florida Panthers on Feb. 24. He underwent surgery the next day and the team announced he would need 12 weeks to recover. No date has been given for Kane’s return to the lineup.

Myers reports that Kane wore a no-contact jersey, but did participate in shooting drills. Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribunereported that Kane cannot be activated from injured reserve until the start of the playoffs because of salary-cap restrictions.

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In 61 games this season, Kane has scored 27 goals and added 37 assists for a team-leading 64 points. Kane played in his fourth All-Star Game earlier this season.

He has played his entire eight-year career and has won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks.

Chicago is 46-24-6 and currently third in the Western Conference. The Blackhawks host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

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