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Breaking down Chicago Blackhawks roster options

Believe it or not, the dawn of a new hockey season is almost upon us.

Plenty of questions remain, though, as far as who among the hopefuls will don Indian Head sweaters come Oct. 12 as the Blackhawks embark on a journey that may culminate in a fourth Stanley Cup title in eight seasons.

Making things difficult for coaches is that not a lot was sorted out in a 6-1 win Tuesday over Detroit after many impressive performances.

So what are everybody's chances? Here's my take on the tough decisions Joel Quenneville and his staff are about to make:

Tyler Motte, Vinnie Hinostroza:

Odds: Locks.

After a rough preseason opener, Motte has flashed speed, skill, grit, determination and smarts all over the ice. His ability to play a 200-foot game is apparent and he doesn't look intimidated or overwhelmed. The former fourth-round pick could find himself skating with Jonathan Toews on the top line, or in a fourth-line checking role, but his versatility is something Quenneville will utilize.

Hinostroza, who scored for the first time in the preseason Tuesday, has shown blazing speed, pinpoint passing accuracy and impressive poise on the power play. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Bartlett native on one of the top two lines when the season begins.

Ryan Hartman, Nick Schmaltz:

Odds: 80 percent for Hartman; 60 percent for Schmaltz.

Hartman, who looked balky early in preseason, enhanced his chances Tuesday. The former first-round pick scored the game's first goal and was noticeable all night.

The speedy Schmaltz could make a bid to play in the bottom six as a center. The question is would he benefit by beginning the season in Rockford, where he can play 18 minutes a night and in all situations? Perhaps, but Quenneville is clearly enamored with the Madison, Wisconsin native's speed and vision.

Said Quenneville: "He's got some high-end ability, play-recognition, play-making ability."

Alexandre Fortin:

Odds: 40 percent.

This has to be the toughest call of all. Here we have a 19-year-old undrafted kid who has been unquestionably the star of camp. He has it all - speed, vision, passing skills, ability to finish. He's the whole package.

Still, can the Hawks trust he's ready for an 82-game NHL season and all that comes with it on AND off the ice?

We'll see soon enough, but he probably benefits from one more year with his junior team in Quebec.

Mark McNeill:

Odds: 10 percent.

It looks like the 23-year-old is headed to Rockford. He played in just two of the first five preseason games and did not dress Tuesday vs. Detroit.

McNeill has 66 goals in three seasons with the IceHogs, but coaches clearly haven't seen enough.

Other forwards:

Three veterans who can't feel their jobs are safe are Jordin Tootoo, Brandon Mashinter and Dennis Rasmussen. If the Hawks wanted to keep four players among Motte, Hinostroza, Schmaltz, Hartman, McNeill and Fortin, they could place some combination of these three on waivers. If they are not claimed, they would go to Rockford and would not count against the salary cap.

Gustav Forsling:

Odds: 98 percent.

The Swedish defenseman was considered a longshot, but he has almost forced the Hawks to keep him with some unbelievable play.

The two latest examples came Tuesday when he:

• Threaded a gorgeous, 100-foot-plus stretch pass to Hinostroza in the second period to set up the winger on a prime scoring chance.

• Assisted on a goal by throwing the puck off Artem Anisimov's stick in the third.

The latter play led Eddie Olczyk to comment: "That's the exclamation point where you put it in the mailbox and say, 'You know what? This kid has to be here. He's got to be in the lineup opening night.'

"Just a heck of a play, heck of a pass."

If Forsling is on the roster, it creates playing-time issues for either Michal Kempny or Trevor van Riemsdyk, but it will also make the Hawks one of the best 3-5 teams in the league on the back end.

Bruising Labrie makes name for himself at Hawks training camp

Kane, Panarin on separate lines? Quenneville willing to test it out

Hjalmarsson suspended; will miss season opener

Motte ready to step in where Shaw left off

Keith, Toews have plenty to say, but Hjalmarsson mostly mum on suspension

Fortin continues to impress

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