Chicago Blackhawks defenseman prospect Trevor van Riemsdyk is tentatively scheduled to play Saturday for the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs in his first game since suffering a knee injury in November.

Van Riemsdyk, a rookie, has been working his way back since fracturing his left patella in a game with the Blackhawks on Nov. 16. He was assigned to the IceHogs on Feb. 26.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said van Riemsdyk was going to play for the IceHogs this past weekend, but he ended up sitting out both of the IceHogs’ games. IceHogs coach Ted Dent said Monday van Riemsdyk could play in his team's next game on Saturday.

“That’s the plan,” Dent said. “We didn’t practice today. He skated today. We’ll know better in the next couple days. He wasn’t ready yet [last weekend]. He needs more practice time and reps.”

Van Riemsdyk was expected to miss 3-4 months after having surgery shortly after the injury occurred. After making Quenneville’s roster out of training camp, he played in 18 games for the Blackhawks to start the season.

Quenneville expressed hope Sunday van Riemsdyk could still join the Blackhawks again before the end of the season.

“We’ll see how he’s playing,” Quenneville said Sunday. “Surprised us at the start of the season. We’ll leave that option open.