Hawks coach King shares update on Jujhar Khaira’s controversial return to action

Two weeks ago, Chicago Blackhawks forward Jujhar Khaira was rushed to a hospital after getting hit by New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba.

The 27-year-old was caught with his head down as he gathered in the puck in the second period : as he looked up, he was met by Trouba who drove into him with a massive hit. Unfortunately for Khaira, the hit caught him off guard and as he fell, the back of his head bounced hard off the ice. There was no sign of any movement from him as the Blackhawks and Rangers scuffled nearby. Khaira laid motionless on the ice for several minutes before trainers and paramedics wheeled him off on a stretcher.

He was taken by ambulance to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, spent the night and the following day, the Hawks offered a first update, stating that Khaira was released from the hospital, and that “his prognosis is excellent, and we expect a full recovery. At this point, it is too early to put a timeline on return to play.”

He skated on his own Friday, and then this morning, he joined his teammates for a skate.

Head coach Derek King sounds aware that fans are worried about Khaira’s condition and future and offered this update on his controversial return to action.

“To have him dressed and skating in a practice, I’m excited. We’re not going to throw him back into the fire. We’ll wait and make sure he’s 110% before he puts on that Hawks jersey for a game again.”

While we remain worried about his condition, it is good to know the Hawks are willing to be patient and careful with his return.

Khaira was sidelined more than once in his career with concussion issues and this one seemed like it could put an end to his career. He signed with the Hawks as a free agent this summer after spending the past five seasons with the Edmonton Oilers. He has two goals and no assists in 17 games in his first season with the Blackhawks.