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Last updated: February 5, 2025

Chicago Blackhawks Activate Craig Smith from Injured Reserve

Craig Smith returns to bolster Chicago Blackhawks' lineup after recovering from injury.

Blackhawks winger Craig Smith is set to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Oilers, according to Scott Powers of The Athletic. Chicago will need to make a roster move to activate him from injured reserve.

Smith, 35, has been out for 11 games due to a lingering back injury, which also caused him to miss eight games earlier in the season. Despite these setbacks, the veteran has been a reliable fourth-liner, scoring six goals and adding five assists for 11 points in 30 games this season. He’s been averaging 11:41 of ice time per game, his highest usage in three years.

Signed to a one-year, $1 million deal this summer, Smith has primarily played as the fourth-line right winger alongside Pat Maroon and either Ryan Donato or Lukas Reichel. That trio has been one of Chicago’s most effective combinations, controlling 50.4% of expected goals, according to MoneyPuck.

Smith is expected to return to his usual role against Edmonton, replacing rookie Colton Dach, who has one goal and three assists in 13 games this season. Smith might also rejoin the second power-play unit, though most of his production has come at even strength.

To make room for Smith, the Blackhawks could send Dach to the minors or demote 2024 second-overall pick Artyom Levshunov, who was recently recalled for development purposes but hasn’t played any games.

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