Ben Smith's stint with the Blackhawks -- at least his first one this season -- has come to an end. After seven games, the Hawks sent him back to the Rockford IceHogs.
Smith, who looked destined to make the team out of training camp before suffering a concussion, arrived with much fanfare when he replaced struggling winger Rostislav Olesz during the circus trip. But Smith scored once in his seven games and had a minus-6 rating.
Winger Bryan Bickell was a healthy scratch in the last five games, but should be back on the third line with center Dave Bolland and winger Michael Frolik with Smith gone.
As of Monday, the Hawks did not recall another player from Rockford.
Not happy with this move. Smith plays hard every shift. That whole Bolland line is in a funk as it is..nothing to do with Smith. Bickell better be ready to go...