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Ben Smith News
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The Chicago Blackhawks have activated forward Marcus Kruger from Injured Reserve and assigned forward Ben Smith to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.

Smith has two goals in nine games while playing mostly on the fourth line. He has no fantasy hockey value while in the minors.

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Quenneville told WGN radio that Ben Smith would play right wing on Bolland's line tonight.

Smith will play in his first game this season. Smith scored six goals and 10 points in only nine games with the Rockford Ice Hogs indicating he is too good for the AHL.

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VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Ben Smith will be joining the team on its current six-game road trip, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Smith scored six goals and 10 points in only nine games with the Rockford Ice Hogs indicating he is too good for the AHL. He should get a few looks on a scoring line.

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Q said Ben Smith getting better and they'll discuss whether or not he makes the trip. #Blackhawks

With Victor Stalberg back in the lineup and Rostislav Olesz filling in on the second line, the Blackhawks don't need to rush Smith back into the lineup. Stay tuned for a further update on the wounded winger.

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The Chicago Blackhawks will begin the regular season banged up at the forward position as Dave Bolland and Ben Smith will both miss Friday night's opener against the Stars in Dallas. Neither player will make the trip to Dallas and Bolland, who has an upper-body injury, is hopeful to play in the home opener Saturday, also against the Stars.

Smith practiced with the team but has not yet been cleared by doctors to play.The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. Look for him to wing the fourth line upon his return.

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Q: Ben Smith not yet cleared for full contact, listed as "questionable" for the weekend's games.

Smith practiced on the team's fourth line which could indicate him getting close to 100 percent. The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. When he does return he likely plays on the fourth line.

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Forwards Dave Bolland and Ben Smith are likely to join #Blackhawks for next practice.

Considering both players are practicing should indicate neither is a long-term injury. The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. When he does return his playing time will directly correlate with his teammate's health.

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Ben Smith is the “same” according to Quenneville as he recovers from the blow to his head he took in Wednesday’s game against Detroit.

Smith's injury somewhat frees up the logjam at forward. The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. Keep an eye on this situation and don't roster Smith until he proves himself healthy.

Ben Smith
Joel Quenneville said Smith, who was injured during Wednesday's game against the Red Wings when Detroit Brendan Smith's delivered an illegal blow ot the head, "was about the same" as Thursday when the coach described him as "okay."

Smith's injury somewhat frees up the logjam at forward. The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. Keep an eye on this situation and don't roster Smith until he proves himself healthy.

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As for Ben Smith, the rookie suffered a likely concussion from the head shot he took from Detroit defenseman Brendan Smith that the NHL was reviewing Thursday for supplemental discipline. “Ben's, I guess OK. I don't want to put a timeline on him,” Quenneville said. “We'll call it (day-to-day).”

Smith's injury somewhat frees up the logjam at forward. The winger scored a goal in six regular season games before becoming a postseason hero for the Blackhawks. Keep an eye on this situation and don't roster Smith until he proves himself healthy.

Ben Smith