We all knew there might be a surprise or two with the Blackhawks this season. Thankfully we can all just be glad that all of the changes are on the bottom lines. The top six and all of the defensive pairs will be returning this year. Stalberg, Mayers, Frolik, Bolland, Carcillo, and Emery are replaced with Hayes, Smith, Nordstrom, Kostka and Khabibulin.
The biggest roster swing would be the decision to carry 8 defensemen rather than a 10th forward. Michael Kostka has become Quenneville's newest pet, because he can play forward in a pinch; I guess. I know, where have we seen this sad story played out before, right? Hello, John Scott! Hello, Steve Montador! Hello, Jordan Hendry! You get the hint.
Joakim Nordstrom with be the other "surprise" coming out of camp. He was slated as a depth guy in Rockford but, apparently, his forechecking, penalty kill prowess and Quenneville's favorite quality, diversity won over Dr. Lineblender. He can play all three forward positions, and he has played responsibly. It'll be interesting to see how long he sticks.
Ben Smith has been all over the lineup, including special teams, which will only help him. He's filled in the top six for Hossa, and would also fit on either of the bottom two lines. As far as locks go, he's my lock to stay for good. Jimmy Hayes has the size and skills to play full time in the NHL, he just needs to continue to produce. I'd like to see him throw his body around a little bit, because he could intimidate people with that large frame, otherwise he becomes the next kid to draw comparisons to Eric Daze. The BAD Eric Daze.
Centers
19 JONATHAN TOEWS "C"
26 MICHAL HANDZUS
16 MARCUS KRUGER
65 ANDREW SHAW
Wings
88 PATRICK KANE
81 MARIAN HOSSA
10 PATRICK SHARP
29 BRYAN BICKELL
20 BRANDON SAAD
22 JIMMY HAYES
28 BEN SMITH
42 JOAKIM NORDSTROM
52 BRANDON BOLLIG
Defense
2 DUNCAN KEITH "A"
7 BRENT SEABROOK
4 NIKLAS HJALMARSSON
27 JOHNNY ODUYA
8 NICK LEDDY
32 MICHAL ROZSIVAL
17 SHELDON BROOKBANK
6 MICHAEL KOSTKA
Goaltenders
50 COREY CRAWFORD
39 NIKOLAI KHABIBULIN
Until tomorrow night, enjoy these videos as the Blackhawks begin their 2013/14 title defense: