DETROIT -- It was unlikely in the first place. But center Jonathan Toews wasn't officially ruled out for the Blackhawks' three-game road trip -- or what's left of it -- until Saturday.
"He's still progressing, but no change," coach Joel Quenneville said after the Hawks practiced in Detroit. "He's not going to be on the trip."
Toews, though, hasn't experienced any setbacks as he recovers from a concussion. He hasn't resumed skating, but has taken part in multiple off-ice workouts.
Toews has missed six games in a row and will miss at least two more. The Hawks face the Red Wings Sunday and the Blues in St. Louis on Tuesday.
"We're saying day-to-day," Quenneville said. "We're seeing progress. We're optimistic and looking at the bright side, he's going to be back."
Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (concussion symptoms) also won't play against the Red Wings, but there is a chance he'll play Tuesday. He went through another long, grueling practice with assistant coach Mike Kitchen Saturday in Detroit. He's missed 11 of the last 12 games.
"It just feels good to be on the ice," Hjalmarsson said. "Obviously not playing is not the most fun part. But you have to get your conditioning back. [Kitchen[ is very good at getting you pretty tired out there. I've been through a couple of good skates here the last couple of days. I feel good and we'll take it from there."
Is it confirmed that Toews has a concussion? Blackhawks management has been so tight-lipped about JT's condition since the auto wreck.