Chicago Blackhawks: Don't Be "Saad," the Boys Are Back in Town on Thursday!

On Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that Brandon Saad was assigned to the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. While the "feel good" story of the young season has ended, this young man should hold his head high for what he has accomplished in the last two months.

Nobody thought that this second-round pick had a legitimate shot to make the team out of camp when the preseason began. Saad made a statement to the Hawks, and to himself, by proving to be the future of the franchise. While some may consider him already to be the steal of the 2011 draft, both Saad and the Chicago Blackhawks should be very pleased to have him under contract for a while.

Saad's departure also must signal good news on the injury front. While there were rumblings that Ben Smith and Viktor Stalberg were soon to return to the lineup, this may just confirm it. Stalberg did practice on Wednesday, which is a very good sign. Dan Carcillo will also be making his Blackhawks debut on Thursday night, and truth be told, there is not enough room for Saad with the current roster.

Give the young man credit. He will be a full-time professional hockey player next season. For now, it will be to his advantage to be in the OHL and developing against players his own age. Saad is one of the players of the future, and he will be one of many key prospects that the Hawks look to develop.

Alexander Salak was also called up on Wednesday. Corey Crawford, who has been a little dinged up with a sore groin, has yet to be confirmed as the starting goaltender for Thursday night's game. While it does not appear that Crawford's injury is of the serious nature, you never want to have a lingering groin problem throughout the year. Salak joining the club may be precautionary, but keep an eye on this situation closer to game time.

On Thursday night the Blackhawks host the Winnipeg Jets. That means former mates Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd will be crashing the party to try to spoil the evening.

While I am trying hard, I am still not at ease seeing these two in opposing uniforms. They will forever be Hawks in my heart, and if the Hawks win the game 4-2 and Big Daddy and young Andrew can have a goal apiece, it would put a smile on my face.

With the boys back in town and the weather cooling off, it officially feels like hockey season. Here we go! Let's hope the Hawks can jump on the Jets quickly on Thursday.