Hawks roster announced

[southsider2k5]

I was sad to see Babchuk get sent down, but the first time a Dman gets hurt, I bet he is the first one back up.

 

On the eve of training camp, Blackhawks general manager Mike Smith said he thought having five or six rookies on the opening-night roster would be "optimistic," and that three would be more likely.

 

But with one roster move still to be made Tuesday, the Hawks will likely open the season with six rookies on the 23-man roster. And if not for an expensive contract, it would have been seven.

 

 

 

 

Based on his strong play last season, Michael Leighton won the backup goalie job from Craig Anderson in a decision that could have gone either way.

 

"It was a photo finish," Smith said. "Michael Leighton was here at the end of [last season], so I think it was fair that we start with him."

 

Besides assigning Anderson to Norfolk of the American Hockey League, the Hawks made two other moves to reduce their roster to 24 Monday, also sending center Brett McLean and defenseman Anton Babchuk to Norfolk.

 

Despite having a strong camp, McLean went back because of money. The Hawks owe Igor Korolev $1.7 million this season, an amount no other team will take on and a sum about equal to what he was paid last season while playing in Norfolk. Unless Smith can move him, which will requite paying a sizable portion of the contract, Korolev will be one of the extra forwards seeing very limited time.

 

"Unfortunately, those contracts are always part of these decisions," Smith said. "McLean had a great camp. We expect [him], and he expects, to play here this year."

 

The last roster move probably will involve Ryan VandenBussche. The Hawks like Jason Strudwick's versatility, which helps his chances. And Travis Moen came into camp unknown and ended it winning a fourth-line spot.

 

"The other top young players, we wanted them to come and see what they can do," Smith said. "Travis Moen basically came in and made a statement."

 

Said Moen: "I don't know if I pictured myself on the team. It's something that I'm pretty happy about. I worked hard."

 

In the case of Babchuk, the Hawks want him to work on his positioning and play a lot of minutes every night.

 

"If we had four or five Norris Trophy winners back there, we could afford to play him," coach Brian Sutter said. "His positioning is not there right now."

 

It was a stressful weekend for Leighton. There was little to choose between him and Anderson, and after Leighton let in a soft goal Thursday night against Buffalo, he thought it could have been enough to tip the scales against him.

 

"The last few days have been pretty crazy, just not knowing what's going on and who's playing," Leighton said. "I'm glad it's over."

 

Smith told Leighton and Anderson the backup situation would be re-evaluated after 20 games and that the two might be switched so each gets close to 60 games between the Hawks and Norfolk. The plan is for Jocelyn Thibault to play about 60 games, but to spread them out more than in the past.

 

"They have to play well," Sutter said of the backup goalies. "We have to get a few more points out of a goalie other than [Thibault] before Christmas."

[DBAHO]

Nice to see Kukkonen stay up, but Deron Quint and Korolev still with da team shows u exactly why Smith should be canned if they don't make da playoffs. Lookin for a big year from the Daze - Ruutu - Sullivan line if that stays together. I'd like to see Zhamnov play with Calder and Radulov.

[SAVVY18]

I would rather see Babchuk down in Norfolk getting the ice time and some time with Yawney so he can work on positioning. It was in the paper today that Korolev is only around because of money.

[IlliniKrush]

radulov can't play first line wing IMO

[BridgeportHeather]

Important note: Igor Krapolev has been placed on waivers. Like anyone'll pick him up!!

[southsider2k5]

Important note:  Igor Krapolev has been placed on waivers.  Like anyone'll pick him up!!

Boy there is a surprise, what's next, Theo Fluery drunk?