Patrick Kane cleared for full participation by team physician

Center Brad Richards is ready to go.

Same for defenseman Kimmo Timonen.

And superstar forward Patrick Kane has been cleared for full participation.

Not only does Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville expect his star right wing to play in Chicago's opening-round playoff series against the Predators, Kane might be ready for Wednesday night's opener in Nashville.

"Absolutely in the series," Quenneville said about Kane's return from a broken collarbone that has kept him out of the Blackhawks' final 21 games of the regular season.

"When? We'll have a better indication after tomorrow's practice."

The following statement was issued Monday by Chicago Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry:

"Patrick Kane suffered a broken left clavicle on February 24, and underwent successful surgery to repair the fracture on February 25. Patrick has been working extremely diligently with his rehabilitation and has recently returned to full-contact practice without any difficulty. After discussions with Patrick and the team, and examining Patrick today, we collectively feel it is appropriate, with minimal risk, for him to return to full participation."

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