Out of NHL COVID-19 protocol, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane returns to lineup

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, removed from the NHL's COVID-19 protocol Monday, is in the team's lineup for its home game against the Ottawa Senators.

Assistant coaches Tomas Mitell and Matt Meacham also have left the protocol and are at United Center for Monday's contest.

Kane could provide a much-needed boost, as Chicago is still looking for its first win of the season. He missed the previous four games.

"It's just good to have him back in the locker room and on the ice," Chicago center Kirby Dach said.

Kane, averaging 20:29 of ice time, entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocol on Oct. 23. He has one goal and five points in five games this season, but is also an uncharacteristic minus-7.

The use of the COVID-19 list doesn't necessarily mean Kane or the coaches tested positive. They could have been deemed a close contact of someone who tested positive. The team was 100% vaccinated at the start of training camp.

Forwards Henrik Borgstrom and Jujhar Khaira and defenseman Riley Stillman remain in the protocol.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.