Jan. 17--Blackhawks winger Bryan Bickell cleared waivers Sunday, and the Hawks reassigned Bickell to their AHL affiliate in Rockford for the second time this season.
Bickell was not at the Hawks' morning skate Sunday before the team faces the Canadiens.
"Everyone's career paths are different, it's very competitive business we're in, everybody wants to be here," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We have some concerns with money and the number of players (on the roster). A lot of variables go into it, but the bottom line is it comes down to performance."
By sending Bickell down to Rockford, the Hawks save $950,000 against the salary cap as long as Bickell is down there. They could also promote someone else from Rockford, although Quenneville said that is unlikely at this time.
"I don't want to deny him an opportunity to come back here and help us," Quenneville said. "I think he still has that ability, so how far away that is remains to be seen."
Winger Andrew Shaw said Bickell, who was a healthy scratch the last four games, could get the ice time he needs in Rockford.
"It's tough to get better if you're not playing. He's going to go down there and get back to enjoying the game and getting his head clear."
