The Chicago Blackhawks have placed veteran forward Craig Smith on injured reserve due to a persistent back injury. Smith, who has not played since January 8, has contributed six goals and five assists in 30 games during his first season with Chicago. Previously, he was on IR from December 20 to 31 because of the same injury. In his absence, the Blackhawks recalled Ethan Del Mastro from Rockford, while defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was assigned to their AHL affiliate. Del Mastro, a fourth-round draft pick in 2021, previously made his NHL debut last April.

Under interim coach Anders Sorensen, the Blackhawks have struggled, recording a 7-12-2 record. They are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. Additionally, the Blackhawks announced a three-year contract with forward AJ Spellacy, which carries a nearly $1 million salary cap hit. The 18-year-old impressed during training camp after being drafted in the third round last year and has tallied 11 goals and 14 assists in 40 games with Windsor of the OHL this season.