The Blackhawks are ready to return to the ice... with YOUNG talent

Well, it's been about a month and a half since my last post. Unless you were living in a tree somewhere, then you weren't aware that Antti Niemi was actually released two days after the decision. The Hawks felt that the judgment was too high (the award from the arbitrator) so they let him go. They proceded to sign 3 time all-star and former Dallas Stars goalie: Marty Turco. Marty is known as a great mover-of-the-puck. Well,...can he STOP the puck is the question. He will have a great defense around him, so this should be a decent signing.
It took about a month for Antti to get work. But, he landed in San Jose. So, now the Hawks can look forward.

Here is what they can look forward too. The Hawks added 2 more people to the mix and let go of Joey Crabb (who signed with Toronto). So here is the updated information on the Hawks

1). They Hawks signed forward Fernando Pisani:
He is in camp wearing #15. Tuomo Ruutu's old number.





2) Ryan Potulny: He will be donning on #16. I guess One former Oiler wasn't enough.



3) Jeremy Morin. Wearing #27. Hmmm. Could he be the next J.R.? This kid is the talk of the town. He's scoring
and he's as fast as the wind. He may not make the team yet, but he's going to make it "incredibly" difficult for Joe to say NO.

4) Igor Makarov. He's donning on #26. He's another one that is going to make it very hard for Joe to say NO. Scored a hat trick
in the rookie tournament.

5) Kyle Beach. Was consistent in the rookie tournament and is trying his best to make this squad. He is donning on #12.

6) Jack Skille. He's donning on #20. If Skille doesn't make the squad this year, then all is lost for this kid. It's a do or die situation for him, (unless he gets released and moves to another team with openings). He needs to show something this camp. I do not see him NOT making the team. He should be on the 20 man roster.

7) Brandon Pirri: He is getting some eyebrow's turned. In fact, Stan Bowman likes this kid a lot. We shall see. He's donning on #14.

8) Shawn LaLonde: He's donning on #42. I personally have been rooting for this kid. He's a tough kid that can fill the net, and hold the blue line. Not afraid to drop the gloves either. I am personally rooting for S. LaLonde.

9) Nick Leddy: Another person the eyes of Stan Bowman has liked. This is former Mr. Minnesota in high school and currently is playing college puck in Minnesota. We shall see. The defense is a bit tied up right now. I think there's one official opening. He's wearing #37.

10) John Scott: I haven't heard or seen anything good about this man other than he can play forward and defense. He can't skate. He's a very big dude at 6'8" and 250+. He may make one of the 3 men that travel with the team but often go without dressing up for the game. We shall see. He's wearing #32

11) Viktor Stalberg: He's pretty much made the team unless he royally screws up. He's supposed to be our Versteeg replacement. He's fast as the wind and can score. Wearing #25.

12)Jeffe Taffe: Haven't heard a single thing good or bad since they signed him. #23...at least he has on a lucky number.

13) Ivan Vishnevskiy: Here is a defenseman that started to crack the NHL lineup in Dallas. However, a lot like Taffe, I haven't heard much about him since the Hawks acquired him. He is a puck moving defenseman that can fill the net. I do wish him well. #34...also another lucky number for a Chicagoan.

14) Jordan Hendry. #6. He is on the squad unless he plays himself off the squad.

15)Nick Boynton: Again, he's on the squad unless he plays himself off of it. could be a part timer like Hendry was and he was last year, or a full time defenseman. Time will tell.

16) Bryan Bickell: #29. Bryan's earned the respect of the coach. He should make the top 20.

17) Jake Dowell: #28. Well, it's up to Jake really. This is make or break time for him.

18) David Gilbert: #68. super slim chance. He did well in the rookie tourney though.

19) Ryan Stanton: big ole' #55. 6'2" defenseman, donning on Eager's old jersey. Needs seasoning.

20) Corey Crawford: Back up goalie. It's his spot to lose. He's already earned the back up spot. #50 again for Corey.

There may be a few more surprises (L.Rensfeldt, B.Smith, R.Klinkhammer, B.Froese, E.Brophey, R.Flick, P.Paradis, J.Carlsson, B.Connelly ).... but, I don't think these players have a
better than 10% chance of making the club.

So, here are the Hawks we know for sure are on:
Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Brouwer, Bolland, Stalberg, Kopecky, Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Hjalmarsson, Crawford, Turco....14
6 empty to start. 9 a team can carry. IF the Hawks add , Skille, Pisani, Hendry Bickell and Potulny... that's 1 open spots. 4 to make the squad. Morin, Beach, Scott and Makarov. and the last 9 fighting to dress and fighting for playing time.

Let's wait for some surprises. I'll keep you informed....(for I am THE Hawks fan!)

GLB