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Blackhawks Training Camp is ON!

September 13, 2019, 8:39 AM ET [196 Comments]
Tyler Cameron
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


The Blackhawks showed up for their physicals yesterday which signals that training camp IS ON!

Some Hawks were banged up more than others. The four prospects (Dach, Boqvist, Kurashev and Hakkarainen) who took a beating in the last game of the rookie tournament, as well as Calvin de Haan who's recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

It remains to be seen who participated in the testing yesterday but one this is for certain, this is going to be one of the best camps in years in terms of competition.

Most of said competition will be at forward but overall the Hawks management has done a great job bringing a group of players together that is deeper in talent than I can remember.

Once again, here is the training camp schedule for your eyeballs:

Chicago-Blackhawks-Training-Camp-Schedule



Ok, now that you know what's up in terms of the agenda, let's jump into the headlines and questions I would like to include as conversation starters as we kick off the on-ice activities:


* How does Coach Colliton handle his first camp?

Many pointed out (myself include) that the timing of the Joel Quenneville firing wasn't ideal. Jeremy Colliton was put in a tough spot for many reasons and one being, it would have been nice for him to have ownership of the team from day one with a proper training camp.

It would have been at this point he could have established his voice, systems and how he likes to operate. Instead, he was forced to do all of these things in season and I think he did a solid job.

Now, I will be watching to see how he runs this training camp, alongside his new coaching staff.


* What's up, new guys?

Just like the first day of school, you want to get a glimpse of what these new kids are all about.

Andrew Shaw will fit in like a glove. A really annoying glove.

But for newcomers like Lehner, Carpenter, Maatta, de Haan, Kubalik, Smith and Nylander they enter not knowing a lot of people on this team. I don't think any of them have ever been NHL teammates over the years so it'll be an introduction of sorts for a lot of these guys.

For the fans, I think the slew of the new and energized faces brings a sense of optimism.


* The narrative from the core?

Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook and Crawford will be in the media spotlight once again.

Last year it was the "all we have to do is get in and anything can happen" narrative coming from Toews and the guys.

This year, I hope they are pissed off. I want to see that hunger and excitement to be back on the ice.

I know a lot of it is posturing, hockey player speak, however, over the years we've seen some brutally honest takes from the core as well. Let's bring it, boys.


* One hell of a battle in the bottom six


The fiercest competition will be amongst those bottom six. I am excited to see how it all plays out as the training camp and preseason goes along.

Also, keep an on if any of those bottom six players can elevate themselves ahead of the pack; if they can, they might be in line to ride shotgun with either Toews/Kane or Strome/Cat.


* All eyes on Kirby Dach (again!)


Sorry Kirby, all eyes on you again.

I have predicted in some of my predictions that Dach will make the Blackhawks this season full-time.

I stand by that and unless he has a horrendous training camp and preseason, I believe he will be the 3C this year.

I wouldn't be mad if he didn't, just all signs I'm seeing are pointing to #77 for 82 games.


* Kris Versteeg will say some funny stuff


Ver-beauty is back to camp on an AHL contract.

While I don't anticipate him playing for the Blackhawks this year, I loved the move from day #1 to bring him back into the organization.

Versteeg (like Shaw) was instrumental in keeping the dressing room loose – even when times were tough.

He will be such a great addition to the IceHogs and heck, if the Hawks make the playoffs, I'd sign him to an NHL deal and call him up just to be around the Hawks.


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Get excited guys and gals… actual Chicago Blackhawks players will be skating on the ice together for the first time this 2019-20 season.

Check me out on Twitter (@tylertyping) for updates and interviews throughout the camp this weekend.

See ya out there!

TC

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