Steve Montador Heads To Rockford But Will He Make It Back To Chicago?

Feb 21, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing

Jimmy Hayes

(39) celebrates scoring a goal against Detroit Red Wings goalie

Jimmy Howard

(35) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

As expected Steve Montador cleared waivers today and was sent to play for the Rockford Ice Hogs for a rehab assignment. Montador has been out for an extended period of time almost an entire year with concussion symptoms that led to depression. It’s very good news that Montador is finally healthy. On the hockey front as he heads to Rockford the real question for me is where does he fit in when he’s is deemed ready for NHL action?

The Hawks defense has been pretty solid all year with their five regular defenseman and a rotation of Michal Rozsival or Sheldon Brookbank as the 6th d-man. Neither Brookbank who scored his first goal and point of the season on Sunday night or Rozsival who is tied for 2nd on the team with a +11 are going to be replaced in the lineup with a healthy Montador one would think. So does Montador get called up and Brandon Bollig gets sent down and the Hawks make Montador a healthy scratch, this kind of move doesn’t make much sense. How long would the Hawks leave Montador in Rockford, and would they leave him there for the rest of the year even though he makes over 2 million a year?

In the meantime, Jimmy Hayes was called back up to the Hawks with the move of Montador to the Ice Hogs. Hayes along with Jeremy Morin have been two of the hottest players in Rockford. Hayes has 22 goals and 17 assists for the Ice Hogs. One area which Hayes has excelled in Rockford has been on the power play with 8 goals and as we all know this is one area that the Hawks have struggled most of the year. It will be interesting how soon Hayes plays on the upcoming four game road trip.

What do you think will Montador make it back to Chicago this season, and will Hayes have any impact when he rejoins the Hawks this season?

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