Three players to watch for the Blackhawks in preseason opener

Tonight is the night. The Chicago Blackhawks have a preseason game tonight against the Detroit Red Wings. For the past week, the Blackhawks have been taking to the ice against each other and now they will finally be able to faceoff against an opponent in a different uniform.

Blackhawks fans will get their first opportunity to see a handful of new Hawks in action tonight. While the preseason might not be the best test to how an NHL team will compete, it is still a good introduction to the season.

The first few games of the preseason are usually all about one thing – the young players. Chicago put together a pretty veteran heavy lineup during practice on Tuesday. Here is what the lineup could look like tonight based on Richardson’s lines at practice.

The Blackhawks projected lineup against Detroit:

Teuvo Teravainen — Connor Bedard — Tyler Bertuzzi
Taylor Hall — Frank Nazar — Nick Lardis
Ryan Donato — AJ Spellacy — Craig Smith
Joey Anderson — Paul Ludwinski — Samuel Savoie

Alec Martinez — Seth Jones
Alex Vlasic — TJ Brodie
Kevin Korchinski — Connor Murphy

Petr Mrazek
Mitchell Weeks

The Blackhawks defense very well could be what fans see on opening night against Utah. How the defense fairs against Detroit will be interesting, especially with Mrazek expected to start in net.

Three players to watch for the Blackhawks:

Frank Nazar stands out as an early player to watch tonight. Nazar is playing alongside veteran Taylor Hall and the two definitely could play alongside each other in the NHL this season if Nazar makes the team out of camp. Nazar had a good showing at the prospect showcase but now is the next step at the test in making it back to the NHL. It also is important to mention Hall and Nazar’s other potential linemate. Nick Lardis has had a great camp. The goal scorer is playing in a top spot with two good linemates. We very well could be talking about a Lardis goal tonight.

Keeping things down the middle, AJ Spellacy has had a great camp. Starting with his performance at the rookie showcase, Spellacy has shown to the organization and fans that he can make an impact on the future. Tonight infront of a home crowd, Spellacy could thrive off of fans energy with his physical style of play.

Lastly, one player who’s destination this season is still up in the air is Kevin Korchinski. While speaking with the media last week, general manager Kyle Davidson indicated it was up to Korchinski to show whether or not he belongs in the NHL or the AHL this season.

“We’ll figure that out and see what what needs to happen for the best situation for his development,” said Davidson. “We’ll let the players decide where they should be and and we’ll go from there. But again, Rockford is a a massive tool in our arsenal to help these players get better and make sure that they’re they’re heading on the right path from a long term standpoint.”

Korchinski could maybe benefit from some time in the AHL to be a top pair defenseman, but this preseason will determine that.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m. between the Blackhawks and Red Wings.

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