"Asked what the Blackhawks miss most with defenseman Brian Campbell out of the lineup, coach Joel Quenneville reiterated his statements from last season when Campbell was injured and missed the start of the playoffs.

''Whether it's alleviating [defensive] zone time or getting cleaner exits out of our zone, it's probably one thing you notice [Campbell] on,'' Quenneville said Wednesday after the morning skate.

''He's a threat off the rush, and he's a threat off the offensive point. Our puck-possession game is probably one area he enhances.''

The Hawks' puck-possession game struggled against the Nashville Predators last year in the playoffs with Campbell out, and it's struggling now with him rehabbing his sprained right knee suffered Oct. 1 in the preseason.

But now it's only a matter of days before Campbell will return. He skated with his teammates for the first time Wednesday since suffering the injury.

Quenneville said earlier this week that there's a chance Campbell could return during the Hawks' two-game road trip against the Minnesota Wild (Saturday) and New York Rangers (Monday). But Campbell wouldn't say which game he's targeting for his return.

''I need to get in shape,'' said Campbell, who initially was ruled out four to five weeks.

''I feel good [with my] recovery, but it's not like [I'm in] game shape yet. It was my first day with the guys. It was a good challenge, and I'm feeling better every day. I'd like to get back as soon as possible. But I'm not sure when that date is yet.

''I don't feel 100 percent in all areas.''

Campbell will wear a knee brace for the rest of the season, something he was concerned about initially."