CHICAGO — In an encouraging update for fans, the Chicago Blackhawks are hopeful for the return of defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Craig Smith in time for the upcoming NHL Winter Classic.
Martinez and Smith were seen participating in the team’s optional morning skate before the game against the Dallas Stars, although the team faced a tough 5-1 defeat that evening.
Martinez has been on injured reserve since December 13 due to a neck injury, while Smith was placed on IR one week later, on December 20, with a back injury.
Interim head coach Anders Sorensen noted that their situations are being handled on a day-to-day basis.
“They’re close,” he mentioned regarding the potential return of the players.
Both players joined the Blackhawks in the summer through free agency, with Martinez registering one goal and three assists in 15 games, while Smith has contributed six goals and four assists over 26 appearances.
The Blackhawks are scheduled to host the St. Louis Blues for the Winter Classic on Tuesday, an outdoor matchup set at Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play.
As part of their lineup adjustments before facing the Stars, the Blackhawks made moves within their defensive lineup by promoting Wyatt Kaiser from their Rockford affiliate and assigning Kevin Korchinski back down to the AHL.
Korchinski, who was drafted seventh overall by Chicago in 2022, had a notable impact last season with five goals and ten assists over 76 games with the Blackhawks.
He had been called up on December 8 and played nine games before being reassigned.
“If you look at his overall development throughout the season, he’s taken significant steps forward,” said Sorensen, reflecting on Korchinski’s growth.
“We saw glimpses of that early when he was with us and we want to ensure he continues on that path.”