The Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Schmaltz is expected to return to the team’s lineup Wednesday when they visit the St. Louis Blues.
No player stands to benefit more from Schmaltz’s return than his linemate Patrick Kane, who tallied two goals and three assists with the 21-year-old center before he suffered an upper-body injury. With Schmaltz sidelined, Kane hasn’t found the back of the net and has three assists.
HAWKS
**Olczyk to return to broadcast booth Wednesday, per report (SCH)
**Schmaltz’s impending return gives Blackhawks a needed boost (Chicago Sun Times)
**Highmore’s hot start powers IceHogs weekend split (SCH)
**Blackhawks week ahead: Chicago visits St. Louis (SCH)
**Rutta quickly emerges as one of Hawks’ top defensemen (Chicago Sun Times)
CENTRAL DIVISION
**Jets call on prospect Kyle Connor (Arctic Ice Hockey)
**Huge disparity between Jets’ top 6, bottom 6 forwards is holding team back (The Athletic)
**Wild’s practice includes set back for Parise (Star Tribune)
**Blues’ production heading downhill (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
NHL
**NHL considering dropping All-Star Game in favor of international event, per report (SBN)
**Why the NHL might get rid of its All-Star Game (SBN)
**RECAP: Kucherov extends scoring streak to 6, Lightning top Red Wings (Raw Charge)
**Karlsson to make his season debut for Senators on Tuesday (Silver Seven)
**Capitals are already missing Niskanen on defense (SBN)
**Draisaitl lands on injured reserve for Oilers (PHT)
HOCKEY WORLD
**SPHL gets creative, adopts ‘pick your opponent’ playoff format (PHT)
**Gophers have another rollercoaster weekend against Penn State (The Athletic)