advertisement

Blackhawks open training camp with great expectations

According to the guys who make the betting lines, the Blackhawks are a virtual lock to make the playoffs this season.

Well, that's pretty much a big “duh” after coming within a measly goal of advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row … and considering this season they are returning all of their core players … and have a few young studs in waiting just in case … and, perhaps most important, still are collectively ticked off about not winning the Cup again last season (just re-watch that Jonathan Toews/Patrick Kane news conference over the summer to get a taste).

But that doesn't mean there aren't some questions surrounding the Hawks as they prepare to open training camp this weekend at Notre Dame before returning to Chicago.

Sure, the questions aren't the kind of life-or-death ones a team with a lot less talent would be pondering. No, these are more of the fine-tuning variety.

“I look at our team and I like our depth, I like our goaltending, I like our defense, and I think up front we're going to have a lot of competition,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville recently told WGN Radio. “We're in a good spot right now. We feel our depth is solid, our experience is good, our core is in place.”

Still, a few questions linger.

Things like, how are the Hawks going to get under the salary cap before the season starts? They're currently about $2 million over. Could it mean a player such as Johnny Oduya or Nick Leddy or perhaps someone else gets jettisoned?

“We know long term there's going to be a lot of movement with our organization,” Quenneville said. “We look at our constraints with the salary cap. Young guys are going to be a part of it. How and when will be determined by how they play.”

Speaking of young guys, what's in store for Teuvo Tervainen? Starting the season at Rockford before he Kris Bryant's himself to the big club? What if he impresses so much at camp that Q has no choice but to keep him?

“We talk about Teuvo quite a bit; we'll see how he does in camp,” Quenneville said. “I don't want to put any pressure on anybody, but certainly he's going to be an NHL player — and a good one — one day, and we'll see exactly when that happens.

“But we feel, without saying how many spots are open, that the opportunity is real and we don't deny anybody a chance to play for our team if they show they belong here.

“We feel young guys really make your team competitive, and over the course of the year that enthusiasm is good for your organization.”

But probably the biggest question facing the Hawks is how they can improve their lot in the Central Division? Last season they played .500 hockey (13-13-3) within the toughest division in the league, and this season it appears it will be even tougher.

As will the Western Conference as a whole.

So, even though the wiseguys are confident of yet another postseason berth for the Hawks, Quenneville prefers to take the cautious route.

“My priority now is let's make the playoffs first,” he said. “Making the playoffs this year is going to be a heck of a challenge. We look at our division and our conference and it's as tough as it's ever been.

“Getting in there is going to be a battle.”

But having nearly every piece in place and having a couple of guys named Kane and Toews certainly improves the Hawks' chances.

“You have your core, you've got your leaders, you've got your best players in place,” Quenneville said. “Toews and Kane play to a level that your teammates have to compete at. That's what they're all about; they want to win, they want to be the best they can be.

“They make guys around them better, they make guys around them accountable, and at the end of the day you're going to be successful with that type of representation.

“We have high expectations.”

• Contact Mike by email at mspellman@dailyherald.com.

Bowman patient in face of looming salary-cap issues

Salary cap problems? Blackhawks could have worse problems

Hawks move on without Hayes

Blackhawks bring back reserve goalie Leighton

Nationals Park to host Winter Classic with Blackhawks

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.