CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Blackhawks sent slumping forward Bryan Bickell to Rockford of the AHL on Monday and recalled prospect Marko Dano.
The 29-year-old Bickell has struggled since he was rewarded in June 2013 with a four-year contract extension that pays $4 million annually. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound left wing was a physical force in the 2013 playoffs – scoring nine goals and adding eight assists in 23 games – as the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup.
Bickell has no points in seven games this season after clearing waivers in early October. According to coach Joel Quenneville, Bickell is not injured and needs to work on his consistency if he hopes to return to Chicago.
The 20-year-old Dano was acquired from Columbus on June 30 in a trade that sent Brandon Saad to the Blue Jackets. Dano skated in 35 games last season and is expected to play against Los Angeles on Monday night on a line with rookies Ryan Hartman and Tanner Kero.
Hartman and Kero were recalled from Rockford in the past week.
Veteran forward Marian Hossa will miss Monday’s game with an undisclosed injury. Quenneville is ”hopeful” Hossa will return Wednesday against St. Louis.
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