Schmaltz was not on the ice for the morning skate, which suggests he will not play tonight vs. the Islanders. With Schmaltz out, Ryan Hartman skated on the top line this morning and Jordin Tootoo is expected to play.
Schmaltz has four points (1G / 3A) in 26 games with the Blackhawks this season and has not made the offensive impact the Blackhawks were expecting when he made the opening night roster. His return to the AHL suggests that Jonathan Toews could be ready to play, but that seems unlikely. It’s more likely that Jordin Tootoo will simply re-enter the lineup after sitting as a healthy scratch.
