When the Blackhawks recalled Ethan Del Mastro on Thursday, it was intriguing because they had eight healthy defensemen on the blue line. The move also left Rockford with only seven defensemen on their roster, some of whom are dealing with being banged up.
The Blackhawks solved the logjam in the NHL (at least for now) on Thursday afternoon, announcing Wyatt Kaiser has been assigned to the IceHogs.
With Craig Smith on IR, the Blackhawks, the Blackhawks have an open roster spot now. They are still carrying seven healthy defensemen — five of whom are left-handed.