Blackhawks Announce Training Camp Rosters
On Thursday morning, the Blackhawks announced the players who will be on the ice when the NHL training camp begins.
Obviously, the veterans who were the core of last year’s team will be back. But a collection of youngsters will also be in the mix for ice time in early preseason games, hoping to make an impression.
Among the prospects invited to training camp are:
- Teuvo Teravainen
- Alex Broadhurst
- Matt Carey
- Phillip Danault
- Ryan Hartman
- Mark McNeill
- Joakim Nordstrom
- Dennis Rasmussen
- Garret Ross
- Adam Clendening
- Stephen Johns
- Trevor vanRiemsdyk
- Dillon Fournier
- Mathieu Brisebois
- Viktor Svedberg
Also invited to camp are older players hoping to get a shot at the NHL, including Kyle Cumiskey, Cody Bass, Brandon Mashinter and Pierre-Cedric Labrie.
The Hawks have invited six goalies to camp, including Corey Crawford and Antti Raanta. For the other four, this camp will serve as an opportunity to establish the depth chart in Rockford as much as show the NHL brass their skills. Scott Darling, Michael Leighton, Mac Carruth and Kent Simpson will compete for roster spots and ice time in Rockford, with two eventually heading to Indianapolis.
Cam Barker is among the non-roster invites for the training camp. The former #3 overall pick, who was infamously traded for Nick Leddy, is trying to get another shot at the league. Justin Holl is also among the invites; the 2010 second round pick signed an AHL contract with the IceHogs this summer.
Excited to be this close to the season again. Looks like camp will be verrrrrry interesting (in my best Arte Johnson voice)
Barker? Wow. Wouldn’t that be something. A halfway decent Barker would make me think he could better suited than the aging, slow as molasses Rozsival, right? Plus Barker would be nowhere near 2.2 cap. Let’s see if he’s got anything left in the tank. Hell, he’s only 28
Would love to see Kyle Cumiskey crack the line up . I have never seen anyone skate like him before . He could be a future star on the team
What no Klas Dahlbeck? Thought he was closest d-man prospect ready to make the jump from Rockford.
Don’t worry, Dahlbeck will be there, one of the DMen, at least, will be moved in the next two weeks, so Dahlbeck has a tremendous opportunity to make the Hawks out of camp. I watched him a lot in Rockford last year and he is ready…he’s very much like Hammer, but a little more physical and shows more offence..ANYTHING CLOSE to Hammer will be gladly received. Our D corp was simply too small versus the Kings, we have to get younger and stronger now…to that end, I am pulling for Stephen Johns to have an amazing camp…Clendening, Dahlbeck and Johns are the future of the Hawks D…BTW, Ted Dent raved about the rookie tournament that Trevor Van Riemsdyck had…I thought he looked quick, but didn’t stand out…Dent thought differently…so let’s see how TVR does as well.
I am very interested to see Scott Darling at camp. I watched him three times vs. Rockford last year, and it looked like it was impossible to get anything past him. Let’s see if he can put some pressure on Raanta to be better. Darling is an Illinois kid.
And it is going to be very exciting to see how badly TT wants a spot with the Hawks now. I was told last week that TT has an understanding that he is competing for the 3rd line Centre spot on the team…I’m not sure that he’s ready for it, but you never know. He will need to assure Q that he can back check and position himself correctly in the defensive zone…this is the hardest thing for young centres to learn.
Also, I want you guys to watch Garret Ross and tell me what you think. I have never seen a young kid this smart with his stick work and positioning…he’s always in the right spot. Plus, his speed will impress you…its going to be fun!
Had the same thought on Dahlbeck. Wonder why Svedberg over him. Interesting.
For whatever reason, I think Mashinter is a guy who makes the Hawks and plays the Brandon Bollig role
Cam Barker is a very intriguing story…he was in the KHL last year…let’s hope he has figured out his defensive game…as a focused, 2 way player Barker would be AN AMAZING addition! Plus he has a wicked shot from the point…
Again, Dahlbeck is on the list, he will be there…he has the #1 chance of making the Hawks out of TC…as for Mashinter Ernie, unless he learned how to skate this summer (at 25) it isn’t happening. The only reason the Hawks took a chance on Bollig’s toughness was that he could skate…in 5 strides Bollig would be 2 body lengths ahead of Mashinter.
I’m thirsty, dusty, tired, almost despondent after slogging through hockey’s desert wasteland, aka summertime. The lush oasis of training camp is only a few strides away and I will soon be refreshed and renewed and swimming in the invigorating pool of real hockey news and events. Life is good!
Brad, I actually checked the Hawks list and totally missed Dahlbeck’s name…twice. Third time’s the charm though.
Ebony, I literally just got out of the desert. Was in northern New Mexico for 2 and a half weeks. Miles from civilation, not to mention cell service. Ahhhh…..hockey. It’s refreshing to get some form of it.
Ernie, ahh northern N.M. – specifically Taos, one of my favorite spots back when I used to strap boards to my feet and hurtle myself down a snowy mountain. Alas those days are gone but I wouldn’t mind visiting artsy-fartsy Taos again – kind of a neat little place.
Interesting about Barks.
Boys…thank for the travelogue information (LOL)…but it’s time to go…there is nothing in the wide world of sports like NHL hockey; especially when the beloved Indian Head sweater is in the picture.
I, too, am surprised and intrigued about Barker; I would think this kid is so hungry and motivated to resurrect himself, especially with the Hawks. He will prove interesting. For Brad…you allude to defense questions; is that the scouting report, a defensive liability or question mark but a contributor offensively? He’s been out of town for so long I don’t recall what the file was on him.
Let’s go Hawks!
I will also be interested to see:
if Versteeg comes out and shows he still has something in the tank as compared to how last year finished for him.
what Kevin Dineen will bring to the special teams,
what some of the kids on the cusp will do. Just reading down the roster, especially the forward portion, there are so many names that have supposedly been on the come that the depth of the camp is very evident. There appear to be so many of these kids that are ready or close to ready that the competition will be something to watch.
Will be interested in seeing how close Danault and McNeill are to NHL ready.
I hereby predict Johns is part of the 6 defensemen rotation by end of October. He’s ready and fits like a glove the energetic and skilled blueliner this team desperately needs. Clendening is a fine specimen in his own right, but Johns fits the best right now and is about to be on center stage. I love everything about his game and his upside.
McNeil is coming to a crossroads. He needs to step up. Frankly he has underachieved based on initial predictions. Right now he is a dime a dozen type. Let’s see what happens.
My bullish view on Danault sticks. But he will be in Rockford barring the inforseen with injuries. His ability to skate and play defensive forward is going to be nice and he likely slots into the Kruger role who unfortunately will be too expensive to keep.
The Barker invite is intriguing. He was very good the year the hawks lost in the conference final to Detroit in 2009 , then pretty much got screwed out of a Stanley Cup ring in 2010. He does have a great low shot from the left point. So the questions are : is this Stan doing a former Hawk a favor giving him a training camp invite ? With all the defensemen under contract does he just skate in camp and get released ? What if he looks really good in camp and pre-season (and really he should against other 4 th line and ahl type players )?, how do they find a spot for Cam Barker but not Sheldon Brookbank, who waited all summer to see if something opened up with the Hawks ? What if Stan knows they might deal Leddy and this move is made to offset that move ?
O K maybe I’m completely overthinking this. My gut tells me it’s just a chance for Barker to come back to North America and skate at a camp where a team is willing to say “hey sure come on out and skate but we are filled roster space wise”, in other words a professional courtesy.
Nice to see Danault have an “impact”… perhaps he will be a Hawk in 1-2 years…
I read that Kruger’s agent is looking forward to “working” a new contract with Hawks???
I was under the impression- that wouldn’t happen (cuz there would be several teams looking to Overpay for his “experience as a checking/SC winner”)… but the agent implied- he thought Hawks/Kruger are a great fit- Perhaps- Kruger is another one of those Euros (see Detroit Wings)- were loyalty, home, winning are more important… will only make me like the guy more!!!
Then again- could be a Bollig- sign and trade…
No news really- 1-2 of the D men will most likely be moved… Hawks have at least 1-2 young guys ready… and in case they don’t– are stock piling insurance- Cumiskey,Rbad, Barker… just in case! Bowman is leaving open a lot of options in Potential dealings w/ D-men.
Just felt like updating the Barker piece for a moment… anyone actually thinking about him on the Blackhawks NHL roster might want to hit the fast forward button on life from 2009 to the present. He’s not an NHL player, folks. This is a chance for the guy to resurrect his career in North America, but looking at the Hawks’ organizational depth his best bet at a roster in this organization is Indianapolis. WAY too much depth on the blue line to think he’s skating at the United Center in the Indian head in a regular season game any time soon/ever.
Tab- I kinda agree on Barker… If he couldn’t make #6/7 on some lesser teams- how does he make it here… But- it shows class by the Hawks… and the favor may come full circle when Hawks trade/dump -1/2 D guys… + an injury or 2 + one of the kids don’t pan out soon enough… still a remote Back-up/Back-up- chance…
Cumiskey- is actually more interesting… I really don’t have remember the guy… but some other sites/posters – say this guy use to have some serious wheels??? So we shall see!!! I don’t see him as #6,7, or 8… BUT- really depends on Bowman/Trades??? and D Prospect(s) grabbing the Chance they will get (after trade(s))… or failing- Just a lot of insurance in my eyes. And the best thing about insurance– Is NOT having to Use it!!!
We will see with Barker, Comisky, etc, very soon…its all about being able to take a hit to move the puck out of the defensive zone w/out turning it over and being able to clear out the front of the net…can they do it? Who knows right now, but this hockey team needs at least one, if not two DMen this season who will do these things…
With Johns, I don’t know…he was very impressive in Rockford for the final 9 games last year after a long season at ND…he was slow to get started at the rookie tourney but then really hit his stride in his 2nd game. We will see…my money is on Johns going to Rockford and then being given a shot during the season…
There hasn’t been a lot of talk about Dahlbeck here, but he’s ready and steady…he’s about Hammer’s size and he plays with a little more “toughness” than Nick..he’ll make a nice addition…IMO, we don’t need more Oduyas, Comiskeys and Barkers…we need to BELIEVE in our prospects and let them play and learn…Dahlbeck, Clendening and Johns are ALL going to be NHL DMen, so suit them up and let them play!
My sleeper for training camp is Hartman. If Hartman can understand what Q demands, he will be impressive. Hartman has “NHL” skills in the fact that he is fearless, hard working, and unafraid of the dirty areas. However, if Hartman only concentrates on his offense, then he will not make a friend out of Q.
I am not saying Hartman is going to leapfrog the TOP prospects, but he has the skill and toughness to get a good look. I look forward to him scoring 30+ goals in Rockford.
Barker???? Not sure what that is about. Push the young D guys some? Add some depth to the Icehogs? A more experienced presence? I remember him as a pretty good player in Norfolk.
Cam Barker talk about a dark horse. Imagine if Cam gets his game together. On the record I was a HUGE Barker fan. I always felt like Cam could play at this level and at a high level. I will definitely be pulling from him to get his game back on track.
I think every prospect represents an interesting story but for me there are 4 guys I think have legit shots to make this club for various reasons. 2 forwards and 2 defense man
1Teuvo Teravainen-Joel and Stan have shown if you belong on the big club you will be on the big club. If TT earns a spot he will be playing plain and simple.
2.Dennis Rasmussen-Would be real easy to bury this guy in RFD except he can play and he has excellent size and skating ability. I am very very curious to see if he sticks, because I think he is an NHL player cant wait to see.
Adam Clendening-Nothing to prove in RFD he’s ready now and with the Hawks cap what it is no point in not having him up
Stephen Johns-Similar to Rasmussen the Hawks don’t have alot of big guys this guy has an NHL body today. The question is does he have the rest.
SSHM Couldn’t agree on a better 4 to watch. Love the idea of adding 2 guys with size like Rasmussen and Johns that can skate. Knowing that something has to shake loose to fit under the cap, it should be interesting if some of these young guys give Stan the confidence to open up some ice for them to skate.
c’mon guys… “We’ll see Barker/Cumiskey soon enough” actually makes me laugh. You’re telling me a team w/ 8 defensemen on one-way contracts and with three AHL players close to being ready (if they aren’t already) are going to hurry up a couple guys who played in the KHL last year? Not buying. Dahlbeck, Johns & Clendening are all priorities to the organization – well in front of Cumiskey (who has a contract) and Barker (who does not).
I see Krugs taking a Hammer type team discount to be able to stay for awhile.
Just a quick comment on Hartman-(this is from last year in the OHL). I believe he was focusing on his ‘D’ the whole 2nd half of the season. It hurt his offensive numbers but he looked very responsible on the wing. Hopefully his chance will be in 2015-16.
SSHM- I like 3/4 of that crew… don’t like Cdening….
Big Fan of RasMOOSEn- (but I think the Hawks slow play him- sign him cheap for 2-3 years after 1 yr. in AHL)
TT- scary thing is- I think he is responsible enough on D + High IQ position wise to actually play on a “checking” 3rd line… 29/86/65… but that won’t happen either… guessing he starts in Rock- Unless he has big camp/pre and/or they trade a bottom 6 guy + for cap space….
I said it before Johns- might be the most ready to Jump in (or Dbeck)
Your right Wall ,Cumiskey is probably the best skater in the NHL. Not only is he fast he is fast with the puck and he makes things happen . He is going to be unreal
The comment was that we will see Comisky/Barker in TC soon enough, and their play will tell the organization where they belong…if you actually read the entire post you would have then followed to the line that says we don’t need them, we need to actually play the valued prospects who are ready…so you bitched about NOTHING!
How about we act like adults and have a fun season…the Hawks are leading contenders to win back the Cup, its going to be fun year…okay?
Coach Q’s comments on TT today were that he’s a treat to watch because he plays so well both offensively and DEFENSIVELY…that’s a huge first step for the young man!
Saad-Richards-Kane were all world on day 1…Wow…what a line that’s going to be…
Garret Ross had an eye opening first day, and scored the game winner in scrimmage #1, with a deflection from right in front of the net.
Scott Darling impressed today with a great glove hand!
Wall, your going to eventually love Clendening, I promise you…
TT with 2 goals in 2 scrimmages today!!!
Obviously you have never seen cumiskey play Brad . I’m telling you he will not be playing in the AHL this year
Between the start of this regular season and next season, you will see Oduya, Leddy and Roszival replaced by Dahlbeck, Clendening and Johns. Oduya is the most likely to be moved for cap reasons this season. Leddy will want too much money to sign when is contract is up, and Roszival will be gone as soon as they find someone to take him.
Rundblad has not shown me much, but may wind up as the 7th d-man.
These three d-men are close to NHL ready and the moves will free up much needed cap space. Leddy is just too weak on the puck to keep for the dollars he will want.