The 2013-14 Blackhawks roster
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The Blackhawks roster is loaded with players who know how to treat the fans at United Center in Chicago. The puck drops tonight as the NHL season gets under way. Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer
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.
