‘Hawks send Bollig to AHL, Montador returning?

The NHL’s hottest team could be adding some reinforcements on defense.

That was the word out of Chicago on Wednesday as the Blackhawks sent forward Brandon Bollig to AHL Rockford — a move that, according to numerous sources, should pave the way for defenseman Steve Montador to return to the active roster.

Bollig, 26, had appeared in 11 games for the ‘Hawks this season, racking up 40 penalty minutes while averaging 5:31 TOI per game. He led all Chicago skaters in fights this year, with four.

Montador, 33, hasn’t played at all this season due to post-concussion symptoms.

He signed a four-year, $11 million deal with Chicago prior to last season and got off to a solid start, racking up 14 points in his first 52 games.

But his season took an unfortunate turn in February, when he suffered a concussion against Colorado. He returned for one game — Mar. 27 against New Jersey — but only lasted four minutes before he was pulled from action and shut down for the year.

Montador then suffered more misfortune during the lockout.

After being medically cleared by team doctors, he began skating during informal practices…during which he collided with a teammate and suffered another head injury.

Montador failed to to pass his physical during training camp, but recently resumed skating with the team and, at last report, was awaiting medical clearance.

Update: According to Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald, Montador has been cleared.