Before the Blackhawks report for training camp on Friday, the Blackhawks Blog breaks down the 2010-11 roster by position, giving you the names you need to know this year.
Sure Bets (8): Dave Bolland, Troy Brouwer, Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Tomas Kopecky, Patrick Sharp, Viktor Stalberg, Jonathan Toews
One of the top-scoring teams a year ago, the Blackhawks have retained most of the offensive firepower that made them champions last season.
Most discussions of the Hawks’ offense begins with young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Toews, who missed six games last season, has grown into a dominant force on both ends of the ice and could be a perennial contender for the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward, as well as a threat to score 35-40 goals this year. Kane, who led all Blackhawks with 30 goals and 88 points last season, has improved his goal total every season and is still developing. With another year of experience under his belt, Kane could put himself into a position to break the 100-point barrier for the first time in his career.
Though some of the Blackhawks’ complementary players were dealt in the off-season, the team returns five of its top six scorers from the Stanley Cup-winning season. Patrick Sharp will likely be tabbed as the second-line center on opening night, but his ability to play the wing may also come in handy as the season rolls on. Taking into account full seasons from Dave Bolland and Marian Hossa – both of whom missed significant time with injuries last year – the Blackhawks will again be able to roll three potent offensive lines.
The Next Wave (5): Bryan Bickell, Jake Dowell, Fernando Pisani, Ryan Potulny, Jack Skille
With all of the movement in the off-season, long-time prospects Bryan Bickell, Jake Dowell and Jack Skille will each get a good opportunity to earn a spot on the Blackhawks’ roster. Each of the three saw limited time in Chicago last season and could play their share of minutes on the third and fourth lines.
Fernando Pisani and Ryan Potulny each spent last season in Edmonton and were fairly effective on an offense that didn’t feature many playmakers. Pisani, a 33-year-old winger, scored 8 points in 40 games last season while battling colitis. 26-year-old Potulny tallied 32 points in 64 games for the Oilers last season and has proven to be a consistent scorer at the AHL level.
Dark Horses (3): Kyle Beach, Jeremy Morin, Igor Makarov
Kyle Beach, Igor Makarov and Jeremy Morin will not sneak up on anyone, but could work themselves into serious consideration for a roster spot with a strong showing in camp.
The Blackhawks’ first-round draft pick in 2008, Beach has proven to be a skilled scorer and ferocious competitor in the Western Hockey League, scoring 52 goals while racking up 186 penalty minutes last year in Spokane.
Morin, whom the Blackhawks acquired in a trade with Atlanta this offseason, was known for his deft scoring touch during his brief Ontario Hockey League career, tallying 47 goals and 83 points in 58 games with Kitchener in 2009-10.
Makarov only has a handful of North American games to his credit, but several years in Russia’s KHL has given him plenty of professional hockey experience. At 22, Makarov may be slightly ahead in terms of physical development and may have more of an NHL-ready physique and game.
Tags: 2010-11, Camp Confidential, Preview
September 14, 2010 at 9:45 am
Can’t wait for this to start – shortest off season for me and I’m lovin it! Go Hawks Go!
September 14, 2010 at 10:42 am
What about Marcus Kruger? Is he farther behind Morin and Makarov?
September 14, 2010 at 10:42 am
You didn’t bring up Stalberg as a sure bet. I don’t see how his pedigree ranks him above Potulny or Pisani. Other than that, good work, nice to see we’re headed closer to October.
September 14, 2010 at 10:46 am
[...] Camp Postion Battles Blackhawks Camp Confidential: Forwards Should be a pretty interesting [...]
September 14, 2010 at 12:14 pm
See you all on Saturday!
September 14, 2010 at 12:19 pm
@Dan- Stalberg has better wheels and hands than everyone listed as ‘on the bubble’ and, like Pisani, put up (some) numbers on one of the worst squads in the league last year.
@All – Lets be honest, EVERYONE listed as ‘the next wave’ will be on the Hawks roster when the season opens in Colorado in October. This is THEIR year, they have all spent hours upon hours, sweating and bleeding on the ice and in the weight room to get this chance and they will all take advantage of it:
I see Bicks working on his play in front of and around the net and filling the hole Buff left on his way out to Atlanta. Dowell will be a solid checking winger who can play the PK and provide energy with every shift. Skille will bring hands and speed and if his strength on the puck has improved from last season it wouldn’t be unreasonable to see him get some looks on the power play. Potulny also brings some skill, speed, and a willingness to play on the edge to whichever line Q puts him on. Last but not least, EVERYONE in Edmonton LOVED Pisani for a reason- he doesn’t put up huge numbers but he can perform in the clutch, leaves it all on the ice, and is an absolute stud on the PK, he will fill the void left by a savvy vet like Madden nicely.
I don’t know if Beach, Morin or Makarov have as legitimate of a shot to make this team as some may think, I think Bowman would rather see them put up some numbers in Rockford and get some confidence in their individual game playing against men before making them ride the pine and play spot minutes in the show. I think all 3 will get their cup of coffee with the big club throughout the season but not much more than that. If any of them have a chance to secure a full-time spot it is Beach simply because he brings an element of toughness to go with his size and hands. The kid won’t back down from anyone- you have to love that!
September 17, 2010 at 9:13 pm
I think Makarov makes the team. Most NHL insiders were reticent to put much stock in him due to fears he would never come to play in North America. My understanding is that he has a one way contract and would refuse to play in Rockford and return to Europe. Don’t think Bowman would want to risk losing him, especially after recent strong showing in the prospect tournament. Make sense? Someone correct me if I am wrong about his contract.
September 14, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I too want to know…where is Stalberg?
September 14, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Stalberg is mentioned in the list of “Sure Bets.”
September 14, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Glad to see I am not the only one who thinks Beach has a shot. The kid could well be slightly nuts, and stands a good chance of replacing Buff, with an added scoring touch. The only reason he didn’t draft top 5 was the scary rep that too many GM’s are afraid of, not due to a lack of skill, size, work ethic or ferocity. If Luongo thinks he had it tough last season, put Beach out there and that whiner of a goalie won’t know what hit him.
September 14, 2010 at 7:31 pm
I can’t agree more. and unlike buff, he will stay consistent. penalty minutes aren’t really a concern because we had close to the best PK unit and close to, if not the most, short-handed goals in the league. so i think beach should be out there protecting toews and kane
September 15, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Well said, Beach is a monster. In a article about him it said simpley “look at the guy, he looks like he’d eat you” He will do plenty to fill the void of a BUFF or Ladd probably seeing some 3rd line time with Bolland.
September 14, 2010 at 2:09 pm
I smell a REPEAT!!! Skille is ready and Bickell has earned it. KILL Colorado. Go Hawks.
September 14, 2010 at 6:34 pm
It was a great season for the Hawks and to hoist the Stanley Cup was amazing!! Looking forward to another season of Chicago Blackhawks hockey.
September 14, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I think the surprise player will be Makarov. 2 years ago he was by far the best in camp. This year he was a man among boys in the rookie games in Toronto. He’ll be on the team to start the season
September 14, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Beach has been bored the last 2 years in the dub and still was the leagues top goal scorer. When he came up for the playoffs in his 15 yr old season and then in his 16 yr old rookie season (WHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR) with Everett he was awesome. I see him motivated again and he has something to prove. Another Blackhawk ROY is awaiting. GO HAWKS
September 17, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I gotta believe Beach is the longest shot of all mentioned. Combine his expensive cap hit with the need to mature some, and I believe we’ll be seeing him skate in Rockford this year with perhaps a sniff with the big club here and there for a look-see.
September 15, 2010 at 7:44 am
Just so you know Viktor Stalberg is an up and coming Kris Versteeg with just as much if not more speed. The kid is like a lightning bolt out there and is going to fit in perfectly with a young hawks team. Cant wait for the season. Go out there and lets repeat Blackhawks!!
September 15, 2010 at 1:40 pm
gm bowman and his staff have done an excellent job of aquiring some new talent to compliment our team of establshed players. the size of scott on the backend and another year with boynton and his physical play when he wants to will give our more skilled dmen more time than last year. this team again has a great blend of youth, experience, speed, proven goaltending and size. lets leave this to coach and his staff to make this year a successful one. great job in the off season.
September 16, 2010 at 12:24 am
One thing you gotta love about our young guns is that there’s so much potential and so much talent. The Blackhawks have so many weapons they can use and I wouldn’t be suprised if there names get bigger like the ones we’ve lost in the summer. I’m loving our team and I hope they all perform well this season and we can have even more memories of this wonderful team
Go Hawks!!!
September 17, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Living in Rockford, I am good with however they decide which prospects remain up or get sent down. The Ice Hogs should be stocked which makes for some good hometown hockey for me anyway. Of course, the emphasis is on the big club, but how exciting to watch the likes of Vishnevsky, Lalonde, and Leddy develop into a formidable defensive corps. And don’t forget, we add Dylan Olson in another year or so. Give these youngsters some seasoning and then add them to the mix down the road to join a mid-career Duncan Keith and Seebs and a young Hammer. Throw in merely solid blueline prospects like Stanton and Denis-Pepin. WOW, the potential is dizzying. Should be fun to watch the forwards like Morin and Beach too.
September 16, 2010 at 7:21 am
i hope that Beach stays in the AHL. he is a sure son of a Beach. he’s need more growing up because all of those penalty minutes can really hurt a team. he has got more PIMS in the minor systems then Avery, Ott, Stortini in the Major system. you cant play a game effectively if the other team is on the power play. most of your best players are stuck on the bench. id rather see Igor Makarov out there instead. time in the KHL has proved him well. there’s a reason its called the Russian Super League. plus the way he’s been playing out there during camp. and on a minor note, if Skille Bickell and Dowell arnt on the roster on Oct 7 then the orginization has gone nuts.
September 17, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Makarov was pigeon-holed in the KHL which is a league which favors older players. He just didn’t get the ice time. He probably got fed up with the glass ceiling and reconsidered his stance about ever coming to North America. Now that he’s here, I don’t think Bowman risks losing him. Good chance to make the club.
September 16, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Good review, pretty much spot on. What I would LOVE to see pan out is getting Brouwer back up with Toews and Kane. Then let’s have Bolland between Kopecky and Hossa. Kopecky seemes to play well opposite Hossa and with Hossa and Bolland it would be a great defensive/offensive unit, much like the Bolland/Havlat/Ladd line 2 years ago that was so successful. Now here’s the part I would LOVE to see; Sharp centering Stahlberg and Skille – it’s a longshot but I think the line would have good size with Skille (6’2″-215) and Stahlberg (6’3″-210) and talk about speed to burn, this is it. That would the top 2 lines each some speed and a grinder, and leave Pisani, Bickell, Dowell, Potulny, and Makarov for 4th line duties or filling in when switches need be made. I hope you guys are right about Beach but I didn’t see it at the rook/prospects camp. Maybe he will get it in training camp. I fully expect to see Makarov get the nod out of camp simply because his cap hit is friendlier for now. What about Jeff Taffe? He’s got some NHL games under his belt and I see no mention of him. On a deep team a guy like him could step up and shine too. But anyway, I cannot WAIT for this thing to get started. Stay wide, guys, and yell for that biscuit!
September 17, 2010 at 8:18 am
Watched Vik play all three years at UVM….this guy is going to be unreal. His junior year, best player in hockey east and possibly the country. Put him up with sharpy and the numbers will climb like crazy
September 17, 2010 at 9:24 am
Nick Tarnasky just rolled into town, we need his size without Buffy. He’s got good hands and can skate, I hope he gets some ice and shows well. He tied with Versty in scoring way back in the dub when they played together.
September 17, 2010 at 2:03 pm
SKILLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 17, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Went to a Rockford game a few years back, sitting close, and not knowing much about any of the players at the time, really had my eyes opened by Skille. Who is that #11, that dude is F=A-S-T. For what it is worth. Think he is bored with the AHL level. Hungry now. Look at the salary cut he accepted knowing that would help his chances to make the big club. Probably would have been up last year to stay had his cap hit been friendler.
September 18, 2010 at 7:05 am
i had the pleasure of watching beach in spokane! all i can say about him is.. he is truly an animal. he racks up PIMs yes.. but the kid can score and is an asset to have on the ice. i will agree that he needs to mature a little bit more but i see great things coming from that kid and im VERY excited to see him in a blackhawk sweater!
September 18, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Beach is a sure-in. Amazing to watch on the ice, let alone in a scoring situation. Great hockey IQ and can step up as a leader if he needs to.
September 19, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Hawks will be very solid for many years. Great drafting, trades for younger players. Being a lifelong fan who walked to many games at the old stadium with my best buddy Wally Kuchta (RIP) I wish he were around for last years cup. Thanks Rocky for turning the best franchise in sports around. Dotsq
September 19, 2010 at 8:47 pm
ignor makarov should get a spot
September 19, 2010 at 9:26 pm
The Hawks are clearly the team to beat not just for the upcoming season but many more seasons as well. We still owe a lot to a great Blackhawk player /broadcaster/ GM …Dale for doing such a remarkable job over a short period of time and we all get to see the results of it now. The young guys I would like to see make the club are Beach, Igor , and Skille. Starting to hear good things about Jermey Morin as well. Well Hawk fan’s last year was great but dynasty is on its way!!!
September 19, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Potulny needs to be with the “sure bets” 32 points with 15 goals in 64 games, with a club like Edmonton, those numbers are right up there with Brouwer, Ladd, Madden and Versteeg.
September 20, 2010 at 8:11 am
i think that black hawks havea bether team hten the detriot red wings tihs yeaer even now iam form detriot ilike the hakws alot i thnk they well win the western confrence agin and mabe the cup
September 20, 2010 at 8:12 am
go black hakws beat the wings this sesion
September 21, 2010 at 8:17 am
Didomenico hasn’t been mentioned. Of course he has no chance, but I’ve watched this kid for the past four years proving people wrong. Ya he sat out last year, and ya he’ll play in the AHL, but my God he’s a competetive one. And he has some of the finest hands in hockey. I’d almost bet money he plays in the show sometime this season.