As expected, Smith was recalled from the Rockford IceHogs Thursday not long after Olesz cleared waivers and was sent down.

Smith, an unexpected playoff hero last year, had six goals and 10 points in nine games with Rockford after returning from a concussion suffered late in the Hawks' preseason against the Red Wings.

If it wasn't for the concussion, it's believed Smith would have made the Hawks out of training camp.

"He's been playing well," coach Joel Quenneville said. "He earned the opportunity."

Smith is definitely a favorite of Quenneville's, but don't expect him to alter his top two lines because he's on the roster now. Jonathan Toews' line with Marian Hossa and Viktor Stalberg and Patrick Kane's with Patrick Sharp and Daniel Carcillo will remain the same.

"I don't think we want to mix that up right now," Quenneville said.

Instead, look for Smith to fill out the third line if Michael Frolik can't play against the Flames Friday after hurting his shoulder when he went hard into the boards against the Canucks on Wednesday. Frolik is questionable for Friday's game.