The Chicago Blackhawks didn’t get any closer to a season-opening roster on Thursday.
Twenty-seven of 28 roster players (Marian Hossa didn’t skate) took the ice at Johnny’s IceHouse West. Ultimately, the Blackhawks will likely cut five players and open the season with a 23-man roster.
Here’s what what we learned Thursday about some of the players competing for those final spots:
— Gustav Forsling is likely sticking around for at least the season opener. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said there’s a “good possibility” the Blackhawks will carry eight defensemen to begin the season with Niklas Hjalmarsson serving a suspension for the opener.