Hawks’ Stalberg understands, expects competition

When the Blackhawks open training camp Friday, most of the roster questions that need to be answered will be at forward.

The Hawks have a glut of players up front, and the only guarantees in terms of ice time and depth-chart security are reserved for those with the last names of Toews, Sharp, Kane, Hossa, Bolland, Frolik and Brunette.

Where a guy such as Viktor Stalberg fits in is anyone’s guess right now, what with the offseason additions of Daniel Carcillo, Jamal Mayers and Rostislav Olesz and with rookies Ben Smith, Marcus Kruger, Jeremy Morin and Kyle Beach eyeing jobs.

Stalberg has three things going for him in his speed, versatility and the fact he knows the system well after spending his first season with the Hawks — but even he understands the competition at camp is going to be fierce.

“There’s going to be competition every year especially when you’re on one of the premier clubs in the league,” Stalberg said. “But it’s a little more familiar this year for me. I know more what to expect coming to camp.”

Stalberg had his ups and downs along the way last season, finishing with 12 goals and 12 assists in 77 games. He seemed to find a niche late in the year on the fourth line and became more physical, which is a trend the Hawks want to see continue.

“I put a little too much pressure on myself at the beginning of the year,” Stalberg said. “I knew I basically had a spot after the trade here, but sometimes you get in the way of yourself when you put too much pressure on yourself. Hopefully I can have a better start.”

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville loves versatile players and in Stalberg has someone with the speed and skill to play on the top two lines, if needed, as well as the ability to be a checking winger.

“Playing a top two or three line role is something I want to do, and I think I have the ability to do it,” Stalberg said. “Sometimes it takes guys longer to get there. I’ve always been kind of a late bloomer throughout my career.

“I never played national teams when I was younger and I’ve never been a top guy in that aspect, but I found my way to get to the next level every time and hopefully I can do that here, too.

“I’m going into my third NHL season and hopefully I’m at that point where I can take that next step. If I play on a fourth-line role, I’m not going to complain about that. I will do everything I can to help the team win and play that role to the best of my ability.”

There was speculation following last season about if the Hawks would even bring Stalberg back, but the club ended that talk when he was signed to a new two-year, $1.750 million contract as a restricted free agent.

“With Viktor we have looked at his game and room for improvement and I think it’s an intriguing mixture of his size and skating,” general manager Stan Bowman said. “He had 12 goals last year and didn’t play a big role offensively but still was able to produce.

“He was a player we wanted to bring back. He’s a player we’re familiar with, and we know what he can do to help us and I think there’s more to his game, which is a good thing.”

ŸFollow Tim’s Blackhawks reports via Twitter@TimSassone, and join the conversation on his Between the Circles blog at dailyherald.com.