AHL right place for Hawks' Morin to start
While Jeremy Morin will start the season at Rockford playing in the American Hockey League, the 19-year-old rookie might not be there long.
Morin was assigned to the AHL on Monday after opening a lot of eyes at training camp.
“He was disappointed, but at the same time it's a great league to start and at that level he should be able to improve his game, Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “There's a lot to learn.
Quenneville thought Morin's play tailed off in the last two preseason games while skating on a line with Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane.
“I think starting him there is the right place to begin and let him earn his way here, Quenneville said. “We see him as being a player in our lineup at some point, but time will tell.
The Hawks made two more roster moves Tuesday. They put center Ryan Potulny and defenseman Jassen Cullimore on waivers for the purpose of sending them to Rockford.
Potulny and Cullimore would clear waivers today.
“We'll see how that plays out, Quenneville said. “It's tough to discuss them right now when they're on waivers. Certainly in both cases there's depth for us and we'll see how it all progresses.
Moment to remember: Needless to say, 19-year-old defenseman Nick Leddy is excited to make his NHL debut Thursday at Colorado.
#8220;It's a great honor to be playing on this team, Leddy said Tuesday. #8220;It's always been a goal of mine to play in the NHL and it's an unbelievable feeling.
#8220;I'm going to try to stay relaxed, but I know it's going to be pretty crazy. My dad and uncle are actually flying out to the game so I'm pretty excited about that.
It's been a bizarre journey for Leddy, who planned to return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore year until a strong prospects camp in July led to him sign a contract.
#8220;He came in here definitely under the radar and made strides and progressed well, Joel Quenneville said. #8220;It's a big jump for him, but I think he's really handled it and has earned the opportunity to start with us.
Ready to roll: Winger Jack Skille returned to practice Tuesday after missing the final two preseason games with an arm injury.
Skille pronounced himself ready to play in Thursday's opener.
#8220;I'm ready for this opportunity, said Skille, who has spent most of the last three seasons in the minors waiting for his chance.
Line dancing: Fernando Pisani skated at left wing on the second line with center Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane at Tuesday's practice.
Dave Bolland centered the third line for Bryan Bickell and Troy Brouwer while Jake Dowell centered the fourth line for Jack Skille and Viktor Stalberg.
The first line remained Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky.