With new dad Bowen Byram back in fold, Blackhawks hope to stabilize defense

Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram returned to practice Monday after missing Saturday's game to attend the birth of his twin daughters. The 25-year-old blueliner is expected to rejoin the lineup Tuesday night for Chicago's home opener against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center as the winless Blackhawks look to rebound from an 0-3-0 start to the season.

Head coach Jeff Blashill reorganized the defensive pairings, placing Byram alongside Artyom Levshunov while pairing Alex Vlasic with Ian Cole to provide better stability. Meanwhile, injured star forward Connor Bedard participated in team drills on Monday in a non-contact jersey as he continues to recover from July shoulder surgery.