[A] Smith, Pirri Assigned To Rockford

[Ton]

The Blackhawks have sent Brandon Pirri and Ben Smith to the Rockford IceHogs. With the NHL taking a week off for the All-Star break, this comes as no surprise.



The good news, this may prelude to the fact that Jonathan Toews and possibly Patrick Sharp will be ready to return to the line-up after missing time due to injury.



Brandon Pirri, drafted in the 2nd round (59th overall) by the Blackhawks in 2009, was only needed for 1 game during his stint and returns to Rockford without a point and minus-1 rating. Earlier in the year, Pirri appeared in 4 games notching 2 assists and a plus-3 rating. With the IceHogs, Pirri has appeared in 41 games and leads the team with 18 goals and 41 points.



Ben Smith, drafted in the 6th round (169th overall) by the Blackhawks in 2008, appeared in 6 games during his recent call-up and scored 1 goal and no assists while earning a plus-1 rating. He appeared in 7 games earlier this year, scoring 1 goal, no assists, as well as coming out with a minus-6 rating. Smith is tied for 2nd on the IceHogs in goal scoring with 12 goals and remains 5th in points with 21 all season.



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[IceHogsFan]

It is also not a surprise since the Hogs have games in Charlotte tonight and tomorrow and then back in Rockford on Saturday.

 

[Ton]

Exactly. Wonder why they didn't send Hayes or Shaw down if that's the case? Strong indication that they are officially up for the year (as if that was in doubt)... just hoping this means Toews will return at the very least, Sharp should be back soon too.

 

[R K]

I think JT will be back for Vancouver and Sharp shortly after. Both will be on the trip.



Shaw and Hayes have earned their spot on the Roster. No need to go back to the Rock.

 

[IceHogsFan]

I think JT will be back for Vancouver and Sharp shortly after. Both will be on the trip.



Shaw and Hayes have earned their spot on the Roster. No need to go back to the Rock.

I like those comments in their entirety.

 

[R K]

I also think Bickell would have been sent to Rockford but they are 100% positive he will not clear waivers, thus getting nothing in return.

 

[Ton]

It's a no-win situation if Bickell is sent down.



At his cap hit (for another year) some team will be willing to trade for him. Whether its a package deal or a low draft pick, I agree with them 100%... he would not clear waivers. It would be a gift if we placed him there, he had 17 goals last year... someone will take a chance on his potential.

 

[PatrickSharpRules]

I think JT will be back for Vancouver and Sharp shortly after. Both will be on the trip.



Shaw and Hayes have earned their spot on the Roster. No need to go back to the Rock.

Shaw and Hayes earning their spot on the roster brings a giant fucking smile to my face.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

I agree PSR. Pez and I were talking in the chat about how amazing it is that a 5th round draft pick last summer has been brought up and caught on to the speed and skill of the NHL... and has even excelled.

 

[dlrob315]

Exactly. Wonder why they didn't send Hayes or Shaw down if that's the case? Strong indication that they are officially up for the year (as if that was in doubt)... just hoping this means Toews will return at the very least, Sharp should be back soon too.

Hayes and Shaw are integral parts to the big league roster now and it would not be wise to subject them to a possible injury playing on the minor league club.

 

[IceHogsFan]

I agree PSR. Pez and I were talking in the chat about how amazing it is that a 5th round draft pick last summer has been brought up and caught on to the speed and skill of the NHL... and has even excelled.

Now that we know they have the ability the next question is do they have sustainability?

 

[Shantz My Pants]

I agree PSR. Pez and I were talking in the chat about how amazing it is that a 5th round draft pick last summer has been brought up and caught on to the speed and skill of the NHL... and has even excelled.

Don't forget, Shaw was also passed up on his first year of draft eligibility.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

It's a no-win situation if Bickell is sent down.



At his cap hit (for another year) some team will be willing to trade for him. Whether its a package deal or a low draft pick, I agree with them 100%... he would not clear waivers. It would be a gift if we placed him there, he had 17 goals last year... someone will take a chance on his potential.

He's not hurting the team by sitting in the pressbox for 500k. If he ever got his ass in gear he would make a fine power forward.

 

[Ashor-redtribe]

I think both Sharp and Toews will be ready for the Nucks game. I think Sharp was ready by the Nashville home game, but figured to give him all the rest possible. But Im 100% on both will be back by the Nucks game, If they beat the Nucks it's a good possiblity they can sweep the Canada Trip.