Zack SmithC | Blackhawks

Zack Smith still trying to recover from surgeryOctober 17, 2020 | 06:46 AM

Zack Smith is still trying to recover from back surgery in early March. Analysis: Smith was expected to miss three-four months, putting his return in early July, but the winger was unable to even practice when the Blackhawks started their playoff training camp in July. "It's going okay," his agent Allain Roy said. "He's improving every day. Not cleared yet. Nothing major to report there. The fact that we've got some extra time here [before next season], probably until January, will help. We'll see where it goes." That is quite the difference from a three-four month recovery but the injury did not allow the Blackhawks to even consider a buyout of the final year of his contract. Smith had four goals and 11 points in 50 games last season and will play as a bottom-six forward if healthy enough this season.