Morning Bag Skate: Blackhawks recall Scott Darling, assign Antti Raanta to Rockford

We got a long three days before the Blackhawks return to the ice for the start of their annual Circus Road Trip, so we'll have to find some stuff to discuss until then. Here's the latest news from around the hockey world on Monday morning:

**The Blackhawks announced over the weekend that Scott Darling and Antti Raanta have swapped places so the latter can get some reps in Rockford. Doesn't sound like there will be much of an impact on the NHL situation since Corey Crawford remains the incumbent starter. (Blackhawks)

**Tough news for the Stars, who announced Sunday that young winger Valeri Nichushkin will miss up to four months after undergoing hip surgery. The 19-year-old has appeared in just four games during the young season. (Dallas Morning News)

**The Blue Jackets acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Blues in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick (PHT)

**That Columbus trade was likely motivated somewhat by the injury to Fedor Tyutin, who is expected to be out 4-6 weeks due to a lower body injury. (Columbus Dispatch)

**The Flames are having contract extension talks with coach Bob Hartley, who is set to have his contract expire at the end of the season. (Calgary Sun)

**Ryan Lambert on why the debate concerning Connor McDavid's fighting is worthwhile (Puck Daddy)

**Oilers star Taylor Hall is back from injury and played in Sunday's game against the Coyotes (PHT)

**Gordie Howe's son says his father's health is heading in the wrong direction. Sad situation as the legendary former Red Wing tries to recover from a stroke suffered in October. (The Hockey News)

**Will the NHL work in Las Vegas? (Puck Daddy)

**The NHL won't fine Senators winger Clarke MacArthur for his illegal hit to the head of Flames winger Lance Bouma. (Sportsnet)

**Kings defenseman Alec Martinez underwent minor surgery to his pinky finger last week (PHT)