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Frank Nazar's Arrival to Chicago Comes With Sacrifice of a Veteran Removed From Lineup

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Joshua Deeds
December 13, 2024 (3:10 PM)

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Craig Smith was absent from practice after last night's game against the New York Islanders. In place of Smith, Frank Nazar has been called up from the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Craig Smith was absent from Monday's lineup when the Blackhawks pulled off a win against the former President's Trophy Winners. It appeared last night, after being cross-checked by Dennis Cholowski, Smith's injury was agitated again.

The penalty gave the Blackhawks a reason to put a goal up over the New York Islanders, taking the lead early.

But now, it appears that Smith may be out for some time, as Frank Nazar has been called up from the Rockford IceHogs.

Ben Pope of the CST reported that Smith would be out of the lineup, and prospect Nazar is in!

Smith missed Monday's game against the Rangers with a back issue, so it's likely a recurrence of the same injury. Smith has six goals and four assists in 26 games this season, including one goal on the power play. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

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Browsing DailyFaceOff's website you see Anders Sorensen has made adjustments to the lineup while Smith is out.

Teuvo Teravainen will take Smith's place on RW2, and Frank Nazar will slot in on the 2nd line center position, flanked by Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi.

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It's unfortunate that Craig Smith could be out for some time, back injuries are serious business. We haven't found updates on his status.

However, it is exciting to see Nazar finally get his due this season.

It's just a question now, how long of a look he will get in the NHL?

This season in Rockford, he's played 21 games, scoring 24 points( 11 G, 13 A), and will look to strike terror in the NHL once again.

Last season he scored his first NHL goal during his first NHL game on April 14th against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Detroit Red Wings Fans Pledge For Patrick Kane To Be Benched After Recent Showing

Chicago Blackhawks Make Move Official With Top Prospect Frank Nazar

350-Game NHL Veteran The Blackhawks Can Now Acquire For Free Lands on Waivers

POLL
DECEMBRE 13 \| 135 ANSWERS Frank Nazar's Arrival to Chicago Comes With Sacrifice of a Veteran Removed From Lineup Do you think that center Frank Nazar could spend the rest of the season with the Chicago Blackhawks?
Yes	114	84.4 %
No	21	15.6 %
List of polls

Frank Nazar's Arrival to Chicago Comes With Sacrifice of a Veteran Removed From Lineup

Craig Smith was absent from practice after last night's game against the New York Islanders. In place of Smith, Frank Nazar has been called up from the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Do you think that center Frank Nazar could spend the rest of the season with the Chicago Blackhawks?