In a positive development for the Chicago Blackhawks, defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Craig Smith are on the verge of returning to the lineup, potentially in time for the much-anticipated NHL Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues. Both players participated in an optional morning skate prior to the team's recent 5-1 defeat against the Dallas Stars, which indicates their progression from injuries. Martinez has been sidelined since December 13 due to a neck injury, while Smith has been recovering from a back injury since December 20.
Interim head coach Anders Sorensen has provided an optimistic update, labeling both players as day-to-day and expressing confidence in their imminent return. Martinez, who has contributed one goal and three assists in 15 games this season, and Smith, with six goals and four assists in 26 games, were both signed by the Blackhawks during the previous summer's free agency.
As the Blackhawks prepare for the Winter Classic, they have made adjustments to their roster, recalling defenseman Wyatt Kaiser from their AHL affiliate in Rockford and sending Kevin Korchinski back down. Korchinski, a promising young player drafted seventh overall in 2022, has shown significant growth during his time with the Blackhawks, accumulating five goals and ten assists over 76 games last season. Sorensen noted Korchinski's development and emphasized the importance of maintaining his progress as he continues to gain experience.
