Making the cut
There are openings on all four forward lines after Alex DeBrincat (Ottawa Senators) and Kirby Dach (Canadiens) were traded and free agents Dylan Strome (Washington Capitals) and Dominik Kubalik (Detroit Red Wings) departed. This could be an opportunity for forwards such as Philipp Kurashev, MacKenzie Entwistle and Sam Lafferty to fill full-time spots in the lineup. Domi (one year), Andreas Athanasiou (one year) and Colin Blackwell (two years) each signed July 13 and likely will be part of the top nine. Defenseman Jack Johnson, who won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche before agreeing to a one-year contract with the Blackhawks on Aug. 17, could slot in among the top four.
Most intriguing addition
Though he signed a one-year contract, Domi said July 28 that he'd like to be in Chicago "for a long, long time." It's understandable, given the 27-year-old has played for four teams in seven NHL seasons. He played the past two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets before being acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team trade involving the Florida Panthers on March 21. Domi will look to increase his production after finishing with 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) in 72 games with Columbus and Carolina last season.
Biggest potential surprise
General manager Kyle Davidson pegged Mrazek and Stalock as his Nos. 1 and 2 goalies, but don't rule out Arvid Soderblom getting some playing time. The 23-year-old was 21-15-2 with a 2.76 GAA, .919 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 regular-season games for Rockford of the American Hockey League, and 2-3-0 with a 2.99 GAA, .925 save percentage and one shutout during the Calder Cup Playoffs. He played in three games (two starts) for the Blackhawks last season, going 0-2-0 with a 5.01 GAA and .863 save percentage.
Ready to break through
Is it time for Lukas Reichel to get his big chance with the Blackhawks? The 20-year-old forward led Rockford with 57 points (21 goals, 36 assists) in 56 games and had one assist in 11 games with the Blackhawks last season. Sure, it would be tough throwing him onto a rebuilding team, but this will be Chicago's situation for a few seasons. He should have confidence off his production in the AHL and could earn a bigger opportunity with a strong showing in training camp.
Fantasy sleeper
Taylor Raddysh, LW/RW (undrafted on average in fantasy) -- He had 10 points (six goals, four assists), including three power-play goals, in 21 games with the Blackhawks last season after the rookie was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 18. He is an under-the-radar player who should have a top-six role under Richardson following the trades of DeBrincat and Dach. -- Pete Jensen
