Brouwer might fill need at wing

Time will tell with seven preseason games still to play, but Troy Brouwer could be just what the Blackhawks are looking for to plug one of the holes at wing on the top three lines.

The 23-year-old Brouwer has the size the Hawks want at 6-feet-3, 220 pounds, and he is coming off back-to-back seasons of big-time goal scoring in the American Hockey League with 35 last year and 41 in 2006-07.

Brouwer reported to training camp in impeccable shape, according to coach Denis Savard, and has improved his skating by a half-step in Savard's estimation.

Brouwer was solid in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Columbus in the preseason opener and did what he does best by scoring the winning goal from in front with 6:18 to play.

"He had a strong game," Savard said. "He's had a good camp so far and came in great shape. He brings the combination of being a goal scorer, he's got size that we like a lot, and it looks like his skating has improved.

"Being a big man and as strong as he is, we expect physical play out of him, too."

Savard hinted he will take a look at Brouwer again Friday against Minnesota, perhaps on a line centered by Patrick Kane.

"I'm not sure where he fits right now," Savard said of Brouwer. "I'm not saying he'll eventually play with Kane, but Kane can find guys, so he might be a shooter for him."

Minding his own business: Rookie goalie Cory Crawford is keeping his head up despite the fact he could be sent back for another season in the minors unless the Hawks trade Nikolai Khabibulin.

Crawford looked to be a lock to start the season in Chicago until July 1, when Cristobal Huet was signed as a free agent.

"I still want to work hard and I still want to perform," Crawford said. "I'm going to try my best every time I get out there no matter what the situation is."

Crawford admitted he was stunned by Huet's signing.

"At first it was a little (discouraging), but those things happen," Crawford said. "The worst thing to do now is whine about it. I have to focus on my game because you never know what's going to happen."

Off and running: Defenseman Cam Barker had an impressive debut Tuesday with 2 assists, a fight and a blocked shot in 19 minutes playing alongside Brian Campbell.

"Barks was a high pick for us (third overall in 2004), and we have high expectations for him," Denis Savard said. "Having Campbell as a partner, to me, fits very well right now. I'm not saying it's going to be like this for the whole year, but I'd like to predict that would be a good solid pair for us."

Roster cuts: The Hawks trimmed their roster by 17 players Wednesday with the next cuts expected Monday or Tuesday.

Assigned to Rockford of the American Hockey League were forwards Adam Berti, Dan Bertram, Nathan Davis, Adam Hobson, Peter MacArthur and Mike Radja, defensemen Michael Brennan, Danny Grouix, Jean-Claude Sawyer and Brennan Turner and goalie Joe Fallon.

Five players were returned to juniors: Goalie Josh Unice, defensemen Shawn Lalonde and Teigan Zahn and forwards Richard Greenop and Maxime Tanguay. Oliver Labelle was released.