Thrashers put Smehlik on injured reserve, recall Tapper from AHL

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Thrashers put defenseman Richard Smehlik on injured reserve Monday before their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. <br> <br> The 32-year-old Smehlik suffered a chest wall contusion Friday in a 3-to-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder signed with the Thrashers as a free agent in the offseason but has missed nine games with injuries. <br> <br> He has three goals and an assist this season. <br> <br> To take Smehlik&#39;s spot on the roster, Atlanta recalled forward Brad Tapper from Chicago of the American Hockey League. Tapper had six goals and nine assists in 19 games with Chicago.