Chicago Blackhawks: How Long Will Ben Smith Be with the AHL?

The Blackhawks decided to assign forward Ben Smith to the AHL Rockford Icehogs on Monday.

The move left many, including a fellow writer, wondering what the Hawks will do with the 23rd spot on the roster.

Some think that maybe a trade is coming; therefore, they need to showcase Bryan Bickell. Others think that maybe another prospect could be recalled from Rockford.

I have another idea: I think Ben Smith will fill this spot. Again.

That's right. I think the guy who was just sent down will be the guy who'll be called up next.

Ben Smith proved last season that he belongs in the NHL. He played extremely well alongside Jonathan Toews but never got the chance to show what he was made of this season.

If Smith hadn't suffered a concussion late in the preseason, he probably would have made this team straight out of camp.

Smith's call up turned out to be badly-timed for him. He would have look great on a line opposite Patrick Sharp, centered by Jonathan Toews.

However, Smith didn't get that chance. He was a healthy scratch for several games, and when he did play, it was on the struggling third or fourth line.

It didn't help matters either that Patrick Kane moved back to wing from center, which meant Marcus Kruger was elevated to the second line. A line of Kane, Marian Hossa and Ben Smith could have worked out well.

Coach Quenneville is still feeling out his team. Maybe he learned that Smith wasn't ready for the NHL yet. Quenneville likes to make his players earn their spots, which is why Viktor Stalberg is skating on the first line and Marcus Kruger is centering the second.

Smith's poor performance on the third line ended up pushing him back to the fourth line. Eventually, he found his way back to Rockford. It was an important lesson to learn for the young player.

I expect Smith to learn, and when he gets called up again (which might be sooner rather then later), he will play more like the Ben Smith we saw last April.

If not, Brandon Pirri or Jeremy Morin will happily take his spot in the roster.

Other news: Ray Emery will get the start in net Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild. It will be his third straight start.