Hawks say Beach just not ready for NHL

The news on Tuesday about Adam Burish missing six months because of a torn ACL overshadowed 2008 first-round draft pick Kyle Beach being returned to juniors.

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said the 19-year-old Beach simply wasn't ready for the NHL. Beach couldn't be assigned to Rockford since he has junior eligibility remaining.

"He's a young kid and we want him playing," Quenneville said. "Organizationally, we think he's got what it takes to play in the NHL. I think speed and quickness is something he hopefully can improve upon this year. We feel he has a good mind for the game and some toughness to his NHL-type game, but overall we want him playing."

Beach will be playing in Spokane after he was traded there by Lethbridge on Thursday.

Injury report: Add Jack Skille's name to the list of walking wounded.

Skille, who is having a strong training camp, suffered a lower-body injury in the first period of Wednesday's 6-2 loss at Washington and won't play Friday night against Minnesota at the United Center.

Kris Versteeg (upper body) skated Thursday but won't play either. Dustin Byfuglien (groin) remains out as well but is expected back on the ice early next week.

Joel Quenneville said he expected Versteeg, Byfuglien and Skille to be on Friday night's late flight to Europe.

Dave Bolland practiced again Thursday and will be in the lineup against the Wild.

Tip-ins: Wingers Bryan Bickell and Rob Klinkhammer were recalled from Rockford in case they were needed to play against the Wild. - Defenseman Richard Petiot and winger Danny Bois were placed on waivers. - Patrick Sharp has 2 goals and 10 shots in two preseason games.