The 2013-14 Blackhawks roster
By Tim Sassone
tsassone@dailyherald.com
Here’s a glance at the Blackhawks’ roster for the 2013-14 season, and a comment on each player.
2 — Duncan Keith, D
Cap hit: $5.5 million
After a dominating performance in the playoffs, Keith is hoping to pick up where he left off.
4 — Niklas Jhalmarsson, D
Cap hit: $3.5 million
The most underrated player on the Hawks’ blue line and a premier shot blocker.
6 — Mike Kostka, D
Cap hit: $625,000
Will fill a depth spot on the blue line and could be called upon at times for some power play action.
7 — Brent Seabrook, D
Cap hit: $5.8 million
Coaching staff would like Seabrook to use his big shot more on the power play.
8 — Nick Leddy, D
Cap hit: $2.7 million
Hawks want this 22-year-old defenseman to take his game to the next level.
10 — Patrick Sharp, LW
Cap hit: $5.9 million
Had a great camp and is definitely motivated to make the Canadian Olympic team.
16 — Marcus Kruger, C
Cap hit: $1.3 million
Only 23 years old, he’s a penalty killing whiz whose offense is starting to come.
17 — Sheldon Brookbank
Cap hit: $1.3 million
Depth defenseman who isn’t afraid to stick up for teammates and use his size (6-foot-1, 202 pounds).
19 — Jonathan Toews, C
Cap hit: $6.3 million
There are no weaknesses in his game, which makes him one of the premier leaders in hockey.
20 — Brandon Saad, LW
Cap hit: $894,000
He’s a versatile forward with good size and deceiving skill, with a lot of maturity at age 20.
22 — Jimmy Hayes, RW
Cap hit: $875,000
Has the size (6-6, 221) to be the next Bryan Bickell. Scored 4 points in 10 games last season.
26 — Michal Handzus, C
Cap hit: $1 million
The popular Handzus will start the season at No. 2 center. Had 11 points in 23 playoff games last spring.
27 — Johnny Oduya, D
Cap hit: $3.4 million
A perfect complement to partner Hjalmarsson, Oduya turns 32 on opening night.
28 — Ben Smith, RW
Cap hit: $563,000
Gritty winger played in only 1 regular-season game last year, but he has finally earned his shot.
29 — Bryan Bickell, LW
Cap hit: $4 million
Can he be the same dominating force he was as a power forward in the playoffs with 17 points?
32 — Michal Rozsival, D
Cap hit: $2.2 million
Veteran presence on the blue line who played big in the biggest Hawks games last season.
39 — Nikolai Khabibulin, G
Cap hit: $2 million
Can the Blackhawks get 25-30 solid games from the veteran? Stay tuned. Has 46 career shutouts.
42 — Joakim Nordstrom, RW
Cap hit: $766,667
Came out of nowhere to make the team, partly because of his chemistry with Kruger on penalty kill.
50 — Corey Crawford, G
Cap hit: $2.7 million
Finally got the recognition he deserves by winning the Stanley Cup. Was 19-5-5 last season.
52 — Brandon Bollig, LW
Cap hit: $575,000
Fighting is his forte but he also has decent skill. Led Hawks with 51 penalty minutes in 25 games last year.
65 — Andrew Shaw, C
Cap hit: $578,000
Gritty center is always in the middle of the action. Accounted for 9 points in the NHL playoffs.
81 — Marian Hossa, RW
Cap hit: $5.3 million
After battling through concussion, shoulder and back woes, he must stay healthy for Hawks to repeat.
88 — Patrick Kane, RW
Cap hit: $6.3 million
World-class skilled winger elevates his game a little every year, and earned Conn Smythe in the playoffs.