Jonathan Toews will be in the Blackhawks' lineup for today's season-opener against the Los Angeles Kings, coach Joel Quenneville said a couple hours before the puck dropped.

Toews was out on the ice for warmups a half hour before the Kings' Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony was set to begin.

Toews came down with the flu sometime between Thursday's flight to Los Angeles and Friday afternoon's practice, but Quenneville expressed optimism that the Hawks' captain would be able to play. Brandon Saad, who made the team out of camp, skated in Toews' spot on the top line between Marian Hossa and Daniel Carcillo at Friday's workout, but likely will be a healthy scratch with Toews playing.

Quenneville said he'll monitor Toews' minutes and fatigue level, but that he's hopeful the center will be able to handle his usual workload.