After learning that star forward Patrick Sharp will be out of action for several weeks after sustaining a wrist injury on Sunday night, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday that they have placed Sharp on injured reserve and called up Ben Smith from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Smith has played in seven games with the Blackhawks this season:
Smith, 23, has recorded one goal in seven regular-season games with Chicago this season. Additionally, the Avon, Connecticut, native shares the Rockford team lead with five power-play goals and ranks second on the club with 0.95 points-per-game in 19 AHL tilts. Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Smith has registered 10 goals, eight assists and four penalty minutes this year for the IceHogs.
Chicago returns to the ice on Tuesday against Columbus.
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