"The healing process for Brian Campbell's right knee is nearing completion and now the Blackhawks defenseman is concentrating on getting back into game shape before he returns to the lineup.

Campbell skated with teammates Wednesday morning at the United Center for the first time since suffering a sprained knee Oct. 1 in an exhibition.

"It was my first day with the guys so it was a good challenge," said Campbell, who will wear a brace on the knee for the rest of the season. "I'm feeling better every day. I'd like to get back as soon as possible but I'm not sure what that date is yet. I don't feel 100 percent out there in all areas. Conditioning-wise I'm definitely behind a little bit. I recovered fine, I just get tired a little bit quicker."

In the veteran's absence, Hawks defensemen have been piling up ice time, in particular Duncan Keith, who is averaging a league-high 29 minutes 44 seconds per game.

"It's never a great thing to play too many minutes," Campbell said. "I know Duncan is playing a ton of minutes. It's something you obviously don't want to do all year. Hopefully when I get back I can help out. The guys have done a great job so far."

High flyer: A poster with the signature of Hawks winger Bryan Bickell is be included along with those of students from Harnew Elementary School in Oak Lawn on board the space shuttle Discovery for its scheduled launch at 3:40 p.m. Nov. 1.

The school was chosen from a select few from across the country to have their signatures sent into space on Discovery mission STS-133 and students requested the poster Bickell signed be included. After the mission, the signatures will be returned with documentation that they entered space."