Scouting the future Hawks

It’s never too early to get a progress report on the Blackhawks’ future, so here’s Rockford coach Ted Dent’s take on some of the Hawks’ top prospects playing for the IceHogs.

LW Jeremy Morin: “With an eight- or nine-month layoff like he had (head injury), it’s going to take time to get back to where he was last year. He’s getting better every game; he’s finding his way and getting his confidence back.”C Brandon Pirri: #147;He#146;s been good in the last three or four games. He has the offensive ability, good instincts, sees the ice well. We#146;re just trying to make him into a two-way hockey player where he also is good away from the puck defensively in his own end. All those things we#146;re working on so that when he does get to the NHL he#146;s ready to go at both ends of the rink.#148;D Dylan Olsen: #147;He#146;s been doing good; he#146;s got the good size, the good reach, and plays physical. He#146;s progressing, getting better every day as he learns about the league as far as breakouts and learning puck position and learning his options. And usually for a young defenseman, you#146;re first option is your best option.#148;LW Philippe Paradis: #147;He#146;s probably the hardest body checker we#146;ve had here in my five years in the organization. He#146;s not intimidated by anybody, and he finishes every check. He#146;s hard to move from out in front of the net; he#146;s a big body, strong. His physical play has been really good.#148;G Alexander Salak: #147;He#146;s just starting to find his niche. He missed two consecutive weekends earlier in the season with us because his wife was pregnant #8212; he wasn#146;t with us for four of the first eight games. He has struggled to get wins recently, as has our team. He has very quick reflexes; he battles on every puck. He#146;s a good goaltender.#148;