Chicago Blackhawks welcome two veterans back to lineup just in time for Winter Classic face off vs Blues

Forward, Craig Smith, and defenseman, Alec Martinez, may return just in time for the NHL Winter Classic.

Smith and Martinez have both been placed on the teams injury reserve for quite a while, and it has been noticed in the Blackhawks empty lineup.

Alec Martinez has been absent, caused by a neck injury endured on December 13th and Craig Smith's absence was caused by a back injury on December 20th.

Although both injured players are still in recovery, Martinez and Smith both participated in the teams morning skate prior to Sunday's game against the Dallas Stars. Does this mean there will be a shot that two of the key veterans to the Blackhawks roster will suit up for their New Years Eve Winter Classic matchup?

head coach, Anders Sorensen, stated.

Players Martinez and Smith have been with Chicago since last summer through free agency. With solid rankings, Martinez has one goal and three assists throughout the duration of 15 games. As Smith has scored six goals and four assists in 26 games.

As the hawks will be hosting an upcoming game in the Winter Classic on Tuesday, we hope to see these stars make an appearance.

With the possible addition of Martinez and Smith returning, it comes with the loss of 19 year old, Kevin Korchinski as the Chicago Blackhawks have sent him down to the American Hockey League (AHL).

Click here for more information: Blackhawks complete major transaction with rookie defenseman Kevin Korchinski

With high hopes of these players return, the Blackhawks are banking on their healthy recovery to ensure a win at the most highly anticipated game of the year.