Toews, Murphy fine; DeBrincat, Hayden earn spots

Let's get the big news out of the way first: Jonathan Toews and Connor Murphy are OK.

They were both injured during the Blackhawks' preseason finale Saturday, but Toews practiced Monday and Murphy is expected to return Tuesday.

Now for the other big news: Impressive camps by Alex DeBrincat and John Hayden earned both players a spot on coach Joel Quenneville's opening-night roster. The young forwards came in, did what they were told and basically forced the Hawks to keep them.

Watch for the 19-year-old DeBrincat to skate on the third line with Artem Anisimov and Ryan Hartman, and Hayden to be on the fourth line with Tanner Kero and Lance Bouma when the Hawks play Pittsburgh at the United Center on Thursday.

"He's played with three different lines, looked like he could play with all three different groups," Quenneville said of DeBrincat. "Great asset to have. Can play on the power play, and we know his vision and his play selection is very high end. What a nice fit for us."

Other than the first preseason game, the 19-year-old goal-scorer said he's felt completely at ease on the ice.

"Everyone's just said play your game," DeBrincat said. "I'm here to do a certain thing and if I'm not playing that game then I'm obviously not doing my job. ...

"I knew I was ready for it and knew I was ready for the challenge."

The odd men out were forwards Vinnie Hinostroza, who was assigned to Rockford, and Jordin Tootoo, Tomas Jurco and goalie J.F. Berube, who were placed on waivers. Quenneville liked Hinostroza's camp and said the Bartlett native would be one of the first call-ups if injury strikes or someone isn't playing well.

As for the blue line, the Hawks will carry eight defensemen if they sign Cody Franson, who is in camp on a PTO. If the team receives LTIR relief for Marian Hossa - which the NHL should rule on any day - watch for the 6-foot-5, 234-pound Franson to sign shortly thereafter. He said contract terms have not been discussed.

"I think my exhibition games went pretty well ... and I've had some good skates," Franson said. "I think they like what I bring to the table."

• The Hawks placed Michal Rozsival LTIR on Monday. The defenseman did not pass his physical before training camp.