CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks placed veteran forward Craig Smith on injured reserve on Thursday with a nagging back injury. Smith hasn't appeared in a game since he skated for more than 10 minutes during a 3-1 victory over Colorado on Jan. 8. He also was on IR with a back injury from Dec. 20-31.

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has recalled defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. The team has also placed forward Craig Smith (back) on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 8.

This afternoon, they sent Wyatt Kaiser back to the IceHogs. This came after he participated in practice during the day. Chicago had eight defensemen on the roster with the addition of Del Mastro which is unheard of in the NHL.

Won't play against Wings

The Chicago Blackhawks were back on the ice today ahead of Friday night’s tilt with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team made a roster move ahead of practice as they placed forward Craig Smith on injured reserve (retroactive to Jan.

Del Mastro was recalled from AHL Rockford on Thursday. Del Mastro made two appearances for Chicago last year, and he was held without a point with two hits while averaging 18:35 of ice time. He's made 38 appearances for Rockford this year,

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Connor ... replacing Wyatt Kaiser. Veteran forward Craig Smith missed his second straight game because of a back injury. Sorensen described ...

There might be fewer sellers around the NHL this season than usual, but the Hawks are certainly one. That scarcity of available players could drive up prices.

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Connor Murphy on injured reserve Saturday because of a groin injury. The 31-year-old Murphy hasn't played since he logged more than 19½ minutes in a 6-2 loss to St. Louis in the Winter Classic on Dec. 31. He has one goal and 12 assists in 38 games this season.