Kris Versteeg Returns To Chicago For First Time Since ’10 Stanley Cup

Published: 20^th Jan 12 6:13 pm

Randy Holt
NHL Network Manager

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Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Given the fact that the roster has seen a rather large overhaul since the Blackhawks hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2010, there are plenty of the members of that team scattered throughout the league.

Earlier this season, the Hawks played host to the Winnipeg Jets, marking the first time that guys like Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien had been back at the United Center since the team won Game 5 of the Cup Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers.

On Friday night, Kris Versteeg will finally return to the ice at the Madhouse, for the first time since that Game 5. Obviously, the Hawks won Game 6 on the road, making that the last time no. 32 hit the ice at the United Center.

Versteeg is one of five former Blackhawks returning to Chicago on Friday. John Madden, who spent last season with the Minnesota Wild, is a recent signing of the Florida Panthers, who needed some depth in the middle. Add those two to Tomas Kopecky and Brian Campbell, both traded to Florida this offseason and you have quite the homecoming.

Oh, and Jack Skille will be there too.

Versteeg has garnered much of the attention, though, since he was such a fan favorite in his time with the Blackhawks. He returns having grown out quite an impressive mane, which apparently Jonathan Toews offered to pay to have cut off.

A role player with the Hawks, and coming off of a disappointing season with both the Maple Leafs and Flyers, Versteeg appears to have found a home for the foreseeable future with the Florida Panthers.

He leads the team in goals (17) and points (39) and is well on his way to setting a new career high in points. Friday night will be the first time he’ll see the Stanley Cup banner that he helped get there, and you can bet that the fans in Chicago will be equally excited to see him as well.