As the Blackhawks prepare to open camp, some questions remain

The Blackhawks report to training camp Friday to open their most anticipated season in more than a decade.

While there are fewer key questions to answer this season than in the past, that doesn't mean there isn't any intrigue heading into camp.

Q. Will Nikolai Khabibulin be traded?

A. Despite all those denials, general manager Dale Tallon likely would move Khabibulin if a deal for the veteran goalie presents itself.

The Hawks are quietly eager to unload Khabibulin's $6.75 million salary, but there aren't many teams able to take on that salary cap hit. The Los Angeles Kings might be the Hawks' best bet, or perhaps the Ottawa Senators, but Tallon probably would need to take another big salary in return.

Cristobal Huet wasn't signed to a four-year, $22.54 million free agent deal to play half the games. Sorry, not buying it.

Q. Was it a smart decision to trade Robert Lang?

A. More than a few NHL general managers can't figure out how Tallon was able to move the $4 million contract of a guy who turns 38 in a few months.

Lang had some good moments in 2007-08, just not enough of them. More times than not he was not a factor, particularly on offense, and coach Denis Savard had big problems with the veteran center's defensive play. The Hawks shouldn't miss Lang.

Q. Then who's going to play center behind Jonathan Toews?

A. We should have a clearer answer by the time the puck drops for keeps on Oct. 10 at Madison Square Garden.

Dave Bolland and Petri Kontiola have a lot of potential, but they likely aren't ready to be the No. 2 center on a team looking to make the playoffs. Patrick Sharp has everything it takes to be the second-line center, except he'd prefer to play wing and the Hawks would rather have him there with Toews and Patrick Kane.

Tallon might trade for another center, and he has a lot of young players to offer.

Q. How many jobs are open at training camp?

A. Not many. Watch for Jack Skille, Troy Brouwer, Mike Blunden and 2008 No. 1 draft pick Kyle Beach to compete for the one or two spots that might be available at forward. Akim Aliu had a terrific prospects camp, but he might need at least a season in Rockford.

The defense appears set, although a strong camp by Nicklas Hjalmarsson could make for some interesting decisions. With James Wisniewski's knee surgery keeping him out until December, there are several spots open with Hjalmarsson, Cam Barker, Jordan Hendry and Matt Walker making bids.

The top four on defense are set with Brian Campbell, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Brent Sopel.

Q. Will Beach make the team?

A. The Hawks would love for him to show he is physically ready to be a difference-making power forward, but that might be wishful thinking.

Skille is the favorite to make the club, although Brouwer was a better goal scorer in the minors.

Q. How much will Campbell improve the club?

A. The Hawks missed the playoffs by 3 points last season, and one of the biggest reasons was their poor power play. Campbell was signed to upgrade that power play.

If the Hawks could win just five more games because of the power play, that's 98 points and a sure playoff spot.

Campbell is a presence, both on the ice and as a leader in the dressing room, and he's the kind of elite player who should make everyone around him better.

Q. Can Martin Havlat stay healthy?

A. Nobody knows, but the odds aren't in his favor. Havlat is confident his shoulder is fine, but one hit or a freak twist could put him on the shelf again. The Hawks shouldn't count on him to be a major contributor.

Q. Is this a playoff team?

A. It should be. After Detroit, Anaheim, San Jose and Dallas, the Hawks are as good or better on paper as anyone in the Western Conference.

The goaltending is solid and the defense is deep and improved. The Hawks are thin upfront, and that is a concern. There will be a lot of pressure on Toews and Kane to be even better than they were as rookies.

Q. Who must step up at forward, assuming Toews, Kane and Sharp duplicate their seasons from a year ago?

A. The Hawks need big contributions from Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd, as in 20-30 goals apiece. They also need Dave Bolland to stay healthy and take his game to the next level.

Q. Where is Denis Savard's contract extension?

A. Real good question. Savard enters the final year of his contract, but chairman Rocky Wirtz said last month the head coach "has nothing to worry about." The longer Wirtz drags his feet, the bigger issue Savard's status will become.