Hawks place Olesz on waivers

The Blackhawks have put Rostislav Olesz on waivers, possibly for the purpose of sending the unproductive winger to Rockford of the American Hockey League.

Olesz, who has no points in just six games, has 48 hours to either clear waivers or be picked up by another club.

There is little chance any NHL team would want Olesz, who has two more years left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.125 million.

The action by the Blackhawks was first reported by TSN.ca's Bob McKenzie on Wednesday.

If the Hawks elect to send Olesz to the minors, it would give general manager Stan Bowman an estimated $6.95 million in cap space should he seek to improve the team by adding either a center, power-play quarterback, or both.

Olesz was acquired from Florida last June in the deal that sent defenseman Brian Campbell to the Panthers. In order for Panthers GM Dale Tallon to accept Campbell's $7.1 million cap hit, the Hawks had to take Olesz, who never fit into their plans.

Olesz is eligible to play while on waivers if the Hawks decide they need him.

Should Olesz go to Rockford, the Hawks could recall either Ben Smith or Jeremy Morin, or they could keep the roster at 22 for the time being with no extra forwards.