Could Forsling, Fortin make Chicago Blackhawks roster?

Each day we check off the calendar brings us closer and closer to finding out which players will make the Blackhawks' opening-night roster.

Thus far it has been fascinating to watch the out-of-nowhere rise of forward Alexandre Fortin and the sooner-than-expected, veteran-like play on display from defenseman Gustav Forsling.

These two are making things interesting for coach Joel Quenneville and his staff, as well as putting added pressure on each player on the roster bubble.

Quenneville said Thursday that if Forsling makes the team, he would be an everyday player. That would force Quenneville to scratch Michal Kempny or Trevor van Riemsdyk on a consistent basis.

"He's a great asset organizationally," Quenneville said. "We feel his progression in a short amount of time here has been outstanding. Very useful in all areas of our team game."

If Forsling is not kept, the Hawks would assign him back to his Swedish team.

In Fortin's case, the Hawks can keep the 19-year-old forward for up to nine regular-season games without burning a year of his entry-level deal.

Quenneville said the team is indeed considering that option.

"He's definitely been giving us something to think about each and every day," Quenneville said. "He's not making it easy on us."

After the ninth game, the Hawks would have to either keep Fortin without the option of sending him to Rockford, or reassign him to his junior team in Quebec, where he would stay for the remainder of the season.

Line dancing:

As expected, Artemi Panarin was indeed on the top line at practice Thursday, paired with Jonathan Toews and Richard Panik. Tyler Motte was on the second line with Artem Anisimov and Patrick Kane.

Andrew Desjardins, Mark McNeill, Brandon Mashinter and Dennis Rasmussen did not skate on the top four lines.

Marian Hossa did not practice, but the veteran is expected to skate Friday.

Joel Quenneville said he likes how Hossa looked at the World Cup.

"Had the puck a lot, had a lot of ice time, dangerous, had some offense, defense, the way he tracks it on both sides of it," the coach said. "Fun to watch. And he looked energized. So it's a good sign for us."

Trade rumor:

Multiple reports have the Blackhawks in serious trade talks with Edmonton about acquiring forward Nail Yakupov, the first overall pick in 2012. In four years, Yakupov has 52 goals in 250 games, or 16.3 per 82 games.

He scored 8 goals and had 15 assists last year in 60 games.

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