The Chicago Blackhawks assigned forward Ben Smith to Rockford of the American Hockey League on Monday.
The 23-year-old rookie has one goal in seven games with the Hawks this season. Smith had one hit and no shots on goal in 5 minutes, 48 seconds of ice time during the Hawks' 3-2 overtime victory over the Sharks on Sunday night at the United Center.
At the time of his Nov. 17 recall, Smith was tied for fifth in the AHL with four power-play goals, ranked second on the IceHogs with six goals and had 10 points in nine games.
Smith's departure likely paves the way for veteran Bryan Bickell to return to the lineup Wednesday night when the Hawks face the Wild in Minnesota. Bickell has been a healthy scratch for the last five games.
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