Brouwer ready to pitch in anywhere as Hawks down HC Davos 9-2

Troy Brouwer took nothing for granted when he reported to training camp with the Blackhawks.

Despite a strong rookie year that ended with him being one of the Hawks' most consistent players in the playoffs from a physical aspect, Brouwer never felt he had a spot at forward guaranteed.

"Nothing is set in stone," he said.

Now with the regular season getting under way on Friday against the Florida Panthers in Finland, Brouwer not only looks to have his spot on the roster secured but has skated the last two preseason games on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Brouwer had a goal and assist in Monday's 9-2 win over Swiss champ HC Davos in Zurich, Switzerland, the Hawks' next-to-last exhibition game.

"You don't want to give coaches or management any reason not to be here," Brouwer said. "We all know we have a special thing in this room, especially after last season, and we feel we have a lot more to give. It's going to be a great season and you want to be a part of it."

Brouwer's versatility works in his favor. He has the skill to play on the top lines and can also contribute in a checking role.

Brouwer may or may not be the long-term answer to the question of who plays left wing with Toews and Kane. Either Kris Versteeg or Dustin Byfuglien could fill that role, but anyone who skates with Toews and Kane might only be keeping that spot warm until Marian Hossa is ready to roll.

Brouwer scored 10 goals last season in 69 games after getting 35 and 41 in two years in the American Hockey League.

"I got that first season under my belt and I wasn't able to score quite like I have in the past couple years, but I feel I have the ability still to score and do more than I did last season," Brouwer said. "My expectations are really high on myself. I may not be able to put up the goals I did in junior or the AHL, but I definitely think I can do a lot better."

Brouwer learned it's not easy to score in the NHL. He might have been able to approach 20 goals had he been able to connect on some of the great chances he had.

"The goalies in this league, that's why they're here," Brouwer said. "They never give up. They have that battle to them where unless the puck's in the goal they're not going to give up. Maybe a couple chances I let up or got a little complacent on them, but this year it's not going to be the same. I have to make sure I bury every one of them in the back of the net."

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