After two weeks of speculation and concern, Corey Crawford finally appeared at Blackhawks practice on Saturday.
The veteran goaltender — declared “unfit to play” since training camp began July 13 — was a full participant in drills and played 20 minutes of the Hawks’ intra-squad scrimmage.
Crawford later said he had tested positive for COVID-19 weeks ago, leading to his absence from training camp until Saturday.
“I’ve had to quarantine in my place here for the last few weeks,” he said, adding that he mostly experienced flu-like symptoms. “I’m excited to be back. I’m going to try to get into it as quick as possible.”
Corey Crawford is here for the last day of Blackhawks training camp: pic.twitter.com/U2QH3xGMAo
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 25, 2020
Corey Crawford: "I tested positive for COVID. I've had to quarantine in my place here for the last few weeks... I'm excited to be back. I'm going to try to get into it as quick as possible." pic.twitter.com/wlmcqn7I46
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) July 25, 2020
It’s truly an 11th-hour return for Crawford. Saturday’s practice was the last one of the Chicago portion of training camp; the Hawks are scheduled to travel to Edmonton on Sunday.
General manager Stan Bowman had said Tuesday he was “hopeful” Crawford would join the team in time, and a report Friday indicated Crawford had been listed on the 31-man playoff roster the Hawks submitted to the NHL, but time was running out to actually get him with the team.
Crawford will now have exactly a week to prepare for the Hawks’ playoff opener Aug. 1 against the Oilers, presuming he starts that night.
The 35-year-old goalie looked somewhat rusty in the Hawks’ scrimmage Saturday, allowing three goals, but said he felt “decent.”
This story will be updated.
