Blackhawks welcome back Crawford, send Delia to Rockford

In terms of trades, it was a snoozer of a deadline day for the Blackhawks on Monday.

But boy did they make some noise at 1:45 p.m. - 15 minutes before no further moves could be made - by announcing Corey Crawford was activated off injured reserve and Collin Delia would be heading back to Rockford.

"Obviously he's an important part of our team, so the fact that he's been activated is a great sign," General Manager Stan Bowman said. "Can't wait to see him on the ice."

Crawford, who hasn't played since suffering a concussion against San Jose Dec. 16, has been practicing with the team for two weeks. Bowman didn't know if coach Jeremy Colliton would insert Crawford into the Hawks' Wednesday game at Anaheim.

It was the second serious concussion Crawford has sustained the last 15 months, and Bowman understands why there is concern about the goalie's long-term health.

"I know there's a lot of - I guess - concern for him, not only from the media and the fans but internally to make sure he's on the right path and he's ready to play," Bowman said. "When you talk to him … he wants to get back on the ice.

"I know he's been pushing for us to get him back there even sooner, but you got to do things the right way and follow the protocols and listen to the doctors, and that's how we got to this point."

Crawford had to pass a return-to-play concussion test before he could be cleared to return. He is 6-14-2 this season with a .902 save percentage and 3.28 goals-against average.