Keith, Hjalmarsson welcomed back to Chicago on emotional night

The Chicago Blackhawks were reunited with some old friends Thursday.

Niklas Hjalmarsson
and Duncan Keith returned to the United Center for an emotional night. The Blackhawks honored Hjalmarsson as part of their Legacy Nights series this season. The retired defenseman dropped the ceremonial puck to Keith and Jonathan Toews who jokingly jostled for it.

"We were kinda joking that we were gonna fight each other for it and he gave up on it," Toews sad. "It was a fun little moment to take a draw with him and do it for Hammer."
Blackhawks players donned special warm up jerseys with Hjalmarsson's name and number on the back. He spent 10 seasons in Chicago and helped them to three Stanley Cup titles.

"It's great to see a guy like Hammer be honored like that tonight. One of those unsung heroes over the years that we don't win any of those Cups without him," Toews said. "Pretty special guy. I always had a ton of respect for him, always tried to, I don't know, maybe compare myself to him and feel like if I'm keeping up with him in any facet or any way, then I'm doing pretty good. I think he's just a really humble, down-to-Earth person and a great teammate and pretty cool to see him get recognized like that."
Keith made his return to Chicago for the first time since being traded to the Edmonton Oilers this past summer. The Blackhawks honored him with a touching video tribute and he received a standing ovation from fans in attendance and players on both teams.

On Wedneday, Keith's return to Chicago was recognized by his current teammates, who
created a stick tunnel
in the United Center hall in his honor.
- NHL.com Staff Writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report.