NHL Training Camp: 4 Areas the Chicago Blackhawks Are Looking to Cement in Camp

The Chicago Blackhawks await the start of training camp with some roster spots open for competition.

A slew of veteran one-year contracts and a deep well of talent in the system means that some decisions will have to be made on the part of management. Depending on the performances in camp, they may be difficult ones to make.

At first glance, GM Stan Bowman made moves this summer designed to give the organization's budding prospects another year of development with the club's AHL affiliate in Rockford. However, none of the veteran contracts are so lucrative that Bowman couldn't make room for a player who proves he's ready for the NHL this season.

Since free agency activity cooled off, fans have been left to speculate about Chicago's plans at a number of positions. Here are four areas the Blackhawks are hoping to lock down by the close of training camp.

1. Corey Crawford's Backup in Net

Marty Turco is not returning. Cristobal Huet is riding out his contract on loan in the Swiss League. Someone will ideally play 15-20 games between the pipes for the Blackhawks in lieu of Corey Crawford. It's going to come down to two candidates.

Veteran Ray Emery is a former starter with playoff experience whom the Blackhawks invited to camp to compete for the back-up job.Emery is 16 months removed from radical surgery to correct a degenerative hip condition that by all accounts should have ended his career.

Despite this, he was very effective late in the season in 10 appearances with Anaheim. The season before, he played well in 29 games with the Flyers. If healthy, Emery projects to be a very reliable back-up.

Alexander Salak was signed in May the day after Crawford signed a three-year extension. Before Emery entered the picture, the spot behind Crawford appeared to be his.

Salak, who inked a two-year, $1.2 million pact, was the other piece of the package Chicago received in the trade with Florida that netted Michael Frolik. He returns to North America after a season with Farjestads BK of the Swedish Elite League, whom he helped guide to the league title.

Salak was the league's top net minder with a 1.97 goals against average and a .926 save percentage. He played 48 games with Rochester of the American Hockey League in 2009-10, posting a 29-14 record with a 2.89 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.

The job likely goes to the man who earns it in camp unless Emery's eventual asking price isn't agreeable to Bowman. Best case might be Emery backing up Crawford and Salak in Rockford.

Until the 'Hawks hit training camp or sign Emery, which to me would signal Chicago handing him the job, it's only talk.

2. Niklas Hjalmarsson's Defensive Partner

The Hawks will experiment with different defensive pairings as long as Joel Quenneville remains head coach. Hjalmarsson figures to be on the second pairing, but with whom?

Bowman thinks a lot of Nick Leddy, enough to deal Brian Campbell in the offseason. If the organization really believes Leddy is prepared to take on top-four responsibility, we will see him paired with Hjalmarsson.

Steve Montador could also team with Hjalmarsson. Montador was a high-priority signing by Bowman, and he would obviously be the more experienced option.

3. Centers Aside from Jonathan Toews and Dave Bolland

It's easy to say with certainty that Jonathan Toews will be centering Chicago's top line. Barring injury, Dave Bolland is another lock for one of the four center positions.

Beyond that, feel free to speculate.

Patrick Sharp could wind up centering the second line. Or, Bolland might start the season there, leaving a spot on the third line. Does Quenneville fill that spot with Marcus Kruger, another guy Bowman is very high on? Is Kruger ready to make use of his skills in the NHL?

Could Michael Frolik or Ben Smith see time at center? Are the 'Hawks satisfied with Jamal Mayers on the fourth line, or could we see a last-minute move to bring another veteran center to camp?

Looming down the road is the potential of a mid-season pickup at center. That will undoubtedly change the dynamic in the middle.

Chicago could start the season with Toews, Sharp, Bolland and Mayers. It could just as easily be Toews, Bolland, Kruger and Smith, along with anything in between. This is one area in which the 'Hawks could tinker all season. All camp may do is supply Quenneville with a lineup opening night.

4. Bottom Six Forwards

On one side are NHL-toughened veterans. On the other, a host of hungry 'Hawks prospects. How does it shake out as Chicago prepares for training camp?

The 'Hawks will be paying Rostislav Olesz big bucks this season. As a result, they will give him every chance to make the team. Has Olesz recovered from knee surgery in the offseason to take advantage?

Daniel Carcillo seems to have a spot on the roster, if not the lineup every night. Brett McClean was likely brought on as a veteran presence in Rockford, but has suited up for Chicago in the past.

Smith made a case for being ready for the NHL in the playoffs, but still has to prove it to Quenneville in September. Jeremy Morin and Rob Klinkhammer saw a little action with the 'Hawks last season and could factor in as well.

Bowman went with experience when it came to the bulk of his summer moves. Most of the contracts were of the one-year variety, so it's not out of the realm of possibility to think Chicago will go with a rookie if he shows enough before the season starts.