Marcus Kruger returned to practice Sunday for the first time since dislocating his left wrist in December, reports Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune.
Kruger, 25, signed a three-year extension worth $9.25 million Tuesday. He was set to become a restricted free agent for the second consecutive offseason. Last summer, he waited until August before settling for a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
Coach Joel Quenneville said last week Kruger "could" play by the end of March during the Hawks' Western Canada road trip. The Hawks play a back-to-back against the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks on March 26 and 27, respectively.