Blackhawks Notebook: Makarov Turning Heads In Camp

Though it’s only the second day of camp, the early returns on prospect Igor Makarov’s play have been very good. The 23-year-old Russian forward tallied a goal and two assists in his team’s two scrimmages Sunday and currently leads all Blackhawks skaters with 6 points (3 G, 3 A) through two days worth of camp scrimmages. He also led the Blackhawks’ prospects with four goals in three games during the Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie Tournament earlier this month. It’s not just the numbers that have garnered early attention, however; Blackhawks coaches and players are also taking note at the 2006 draft pick’s significant offensive skills.

“His skill level is there,” captain Jonathan Toews said. “He can definitely bury the puck and he’s a fun player to watch.”

“You notice him,” said head coach Joel Quenneville. “He has good speed, wants the puck and he goes to the next really hard. He was strong a couple of years ago, too, but he needed to play. We’ll give him a good shot to see how he handles it.”

Makarov spent the last two seasons playing in the Russian KHL, where he saw fewer minutes in a league that puts a premium on veteran players, physical play and defense. In 51 games with St. Petersburg and Moscow, Makarov recorded 9 points (5 G, 4 A). While the numbers aren’t gaudy by North American standards, Quenneville says that the progression in Makarov’s game is clear from the last time he came to the Blackhawks’ camp in 2008.

“It’s always great to see the guys who progress faster,” he said. “You go into every camp knowing there will be a few surprises. Sometimes, tough [roster] decisions are the best ones.”

Makarov speaks limited English, but says that he has learned to adapt to North American life through watching television and movies, as well as interacting with teammates, including his camp roommate Rob Flick, a member of the Hawks’ 2010 draft class. He’s excited about his hot start, but knows he needs to continue if he wants to make the Blackhawks’ roster.

“It’s just two days,” he said. “I want to be here [longer].”

Hendry competing for ice time

Jordan Hendry

While the Blackhawks return six of the seven defensemen from last year’s Stanley Cup-winning squad, just who will fill out the team’s fifth and sixth defensive positions has yet to be decided. Jordan Hendry, who is back for his fourth season with the Hawks, says that he spent his off-season with those open spots in mind.

“That was my goal this summer, to hopefully [become an 82-game player],” he said Sunday. “I still have to earn my spot on the team and fight for ice time. That’s where I’m at.”

Hendry dressed in just 43 regular-season games last season, mostly as an injury replacement, before skating in 15 of the Blackhawks’ 2010 playoff games. He hopes to build on that experience, and says that his decision-making and consistent defensive play will be the key.

“As a d-man, you always have to stay smart in the defensive zone and just be predictable as a player, and I have to show the coaching staff that they can trust me,” he said. “I just want to play well in training camp and show everyone I can do it.”

He said it

“Maybe he’s hard on some people but I think that he’s fair and honest. That’s all you can ask from a coach.”

– Nick Boynton, when asked if former NHL blueliner Joel Quenneville is tough on the Hawks’ defensemen

News & Notes

2009 draft pick David Gilbert did not skate in his team’s scrimmage today, but did participate in drills, according to Quenneville… Through two days of scrimmages, Corey Crawford leads all Blackhawks goalies after allowing just two goals in 75 minutes of play.

Tags: Corey Crawford, David Gilbert, Igor Makarov, Joel Quenneville, Jonathan Toews, Jordan Hendry, Nick Boynton