ESPN.com · Dec 30, 2024
Blackhawks' Alec Martinez, Craig Smith eye Winter Classic return
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CHICAGO -- Blackhawks defenseman Alec Martinez and forward Craig Smith could return in time for the NHL Winter Classic.
Martinez and Smith participated in the team's optional morning skate ahead of Sunday night's 5-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. Martinez was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 13 because of a neck injury, and Smith went on IR on Dec. 20 with a back injury.
Interim coach Anders Sorensen described Martinez and Smith as day to day.
"They're close," Sorensen said.
Martinez and Smith signed with Chicago in free agency last summer. Martinez has one goal and three assists in 15 games, and Smith has six goals and four assists in 26 games.