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Schmaltz: Chicago Blackhawks best place for me

Andrew Shaw's gone. So too are Teuvo Teravainen and Andrew Ladd.

What has arrived in their absence, though, is opportunity - and a ton of it. Opportunity for quite a few young Chicago Blackhawks forwards to make a name for themselves at Prospect Camp this week at Johnny's IceHouse West.

We'll profile the top candidates, then get general manager Stan Bowman's thoughts on who stood out when the Hawks kick off their annual fan convention Friday at the Hilton Chicago.

One player Bowman believes can carve out an everyday role is Nick Schmaltz, whom the Hawks took with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Bowman convinced Schamltz to leave the University of North Dakota after two years and sign a three-year entry-level deal with the Hawks.

"He's really grown his game from when we drafted him, and we thought it was time for him to take the next step," Bowman said in late June. "He felt the same way. … When we get to see him on the ice, you're going to see the talent he has."

Schmaltz, a native of Verona, Wisconsin, scored 11 goals, had 35 assists and registered a plus-44 rating in 37 games last season. What follows is an edited Q&A session with reporters after Sunday's on-ice workout.

Q: Was it a tough decision to sign with the Hawks and not go back to college?

A: Yeah, it was a really tough decision. North Dakota's such a great program and there's such great people around there. You get treated really well. I just talked it over with my family and thought this was the best place for me. There's lots of opportunity that I can work for this season. I think it's the right time and I'm happy with my decision.

Q: Did it help that you won the national title last season?

A: For sure. It's always nice when you're leaving on top. But I'm going to miss that place a lot. I had a lot of fun times there. But I'm excited for the future and really excited to get things going.

Q: Did the Hawks trading Teuvo Teravainen have any impact on your decision?

A: Even before that there's still a lot of opportunity. They have salary-cap issues, so they need younger guys to play. I think it's a great time. A lot of younger guys are going to be in the NHL this year and hopefully I can work for a job.

Q: Some are looking for you to replace Teravainen. Do you look at it that way?

A: I can't really just jump in and replace him right away. Teravainen is obviously a great player. I play a little differently, but I think I can do some of the things he does. I don't really care what my role is on the team. I'm just going to work for a job and (do) whatever it takes.

Q: Who did you grow up idolizing as a player?

A: My favorite player was (Patrick) Kane growing up. It's kind of crazy that he's on this team and I'm signed with the team.

Last year I always watched him and (Artemi) Panarin. Those guys are fun to watch. I like how they possess the puck and never really dump it or dump and chase. They're always turning back and making plays and creating speed through the neutral zone. That's some things that I try to do.

Q: So you model your game after them?

A: Obviously those guys are world-class players. But I try to do some of the things that they do.

Q: Since last year's Prospects Camp, how far have you come as a player?

A: I've just gotten physically stronger and better defensively and better without the puck. I'm playing faster and I'm getting the puck back. And when I do get the puck, I'm making plays and finding my teammates.

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