Just more than a week remains in Blackhawks training camp, and for players battling for the precious few open roster spots heading into the regular season, opportunities to impress the team’s hierarchy are dwindling.
After assigning Brett McLean to Rockford of the American Hockey League on Tuesday, the Hawks’ camp roster stood at 31 active players. When the season begins Oct. 7 against the Stars in Dallas, the Hawks will carry 22 or 23 players, likely the latter number with winger Daniel Carcillo suspended the first two games of the season and forward Patrick Sharp completing his recovery from an emergency appendectomy.
The probable breakdown will be two goaltenders, eight defensemen and 13 forwards.
Here’s how the current camp roster shakes out:
Forwards
Locks: Bryan Bickell, Dave Bolland, Andrew Brunette, Carcillo, Michael Frolik, Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Jamal Mayers, Rostislav Olesz, Sharp, Viktor Stalberg, Jonathan Toews.
In the mix: Marcus Kruger, Brandon Pirri, Brandon Saad, Ben Smith.
Likely out: Rob Klinkhammer, Jeremy Morin, Philippe Paradis.
Outlook: Kruger and Smith appear to be the favorites after playing significant roles for the Hawks down the stretch last season. Smith was a postseason hero with three goals in the seven-game Western Conference quarterfinals against the Canucks. Kruger is in his first full training camp after leaving Europe last season to join the Hawks. Both can play in the middle and that will help their cases.
Pirri’s ability as a pure center and a strong camp has put him in the picture. The surprise of the preseason has been Saad, but at 18 he may not be ready.
What they’re saying:
Kruger — “I hope I have a spot. I’m confident. I just play my game and … the rest is up to the coaches.”
Pirri — “The tough decisions are starting to be made. You have to make the best of what you have and show everything you have.”
Saad — “Being one of the younger guys, it’s just working hard and trying to do what I can to keep me here.”
Smith — “There are good players fighting for the jobs. I’m just trying to focus on what I’m doing.”
Defensemen
Locks: Niklas Hjalmarsson, Duncan Keith, Nick Leddy, Sami Lepisto, Steve Montador, Sean O’Donnell, John Scott, Brent Seabrook.
Likely out: Dylan Olsen.
Outlook: The eight locks all have significant NHL experience and, barring injury, will open the season on the roster. Olsen, a first-round draft pick (28th overall) in 2009, is getting a long look and is gaining experience as the ninth defenseman in camp.
What they’re saying:
Olsen — “There are only nine guys (and) they carry eight during the year. I’m just battling for a job.”
Goaltenders
Lock: Corey Crawford.
In the mix: Ray Emery, Alexander Salak.
Outlook: The battle between Emery and Salak appears pretty even and it could come down to Friday night’s game against the Penguins when Emery, who is in camp on a tryout after playing for the Ducks last season, is scheduled to play the entire way.
What they’re saying:
Emery — “I just wanted to show myself as best I can and leave those decisions up to the people who make them.”
Salak — “I did my best every time on the ice. I’m really happy about my performance.”
Twitter @ChrisKuc
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