Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Youngsters Who WON'T Make The Team This Year

The Chicago Blackhawks have a few spots open for competition in training camp and a lot of young players looking to make their mark.

It's hard to know which players are both ready for the NHL spotlight and can find room on a talented roster. So let's go the other way...who isn't making this team out of camp?

The following five players are names fans toss out as hopefuls, but are not yet quite ready for prime time, to varying degrees. I'm not saying any or all of these guys are busts. They just don't look to make a difference in the 'Hawks fortunes this season.

1. David Toews

Toews, the brother of center Jonathan Toews, was picked up late this summer for future considerations.

Is this favor to the captain, or is the younger Toews a legitimate prospect?

Right now, I'd say it's a little of both.

He was not making a lot of headway in the Islanders' organization, who drafted him in the third round of the 2008 draft. At age 21, it's a little early to make a decision on his NHL prospects.

The Toews brothers did skate together Tuesday night in Chicago's preseason opener against Edmonton in Saskatoon, but it was short-lived. David Toews spent much of the rest of the night on the fourth line.

For those anticipating such a pairing in the regular season, don't hold your breath.

2. Kyle Beach

Boy, if I had a nickel for every time I've seen this question come up.

Beach, the 11th overall pick of the 2008 draft, is not ready to play NHL hockey. It's as simple as that.

He's got the size and some skill to go with it, but his decision-making on the ice must improve for Beach to be seriously considered for a spot on someone's wing.

Beach did make a nice play Tuesday night, going to the boards and starting a nice sequence that ended with Mark McNeill finding Jamal Mayers for Chicago's second goal, tying the game before the Oilers eventually prevailed with a 4-2 win.

This is a pivotal year for Beach, who sands in Chicago may be beginning to run out. He needs to show he can sustain headier play down in Rockford.

3. Mark McNeill

Despite a nice assist to Mayers in Saskatoon, claims of McNeill's NHL readiness have been slightly exaggerated.

He did draw praise from coach Joel Quenneville, who though McNeill gave his best performance Tuesday night since joining the organization.

He seems to be a pretty physically mature prospect, and it isn't hard to see him in an Indian head sweater in a few seasons. However, he'll be sent back for another year of juniors.

4. Brandon Saad

Saad has had the look of a jewel for the Blackhawks, who plucked him up when he fell to the second round of this summer's draft.

He had a great rookie tournament in Toronto, and has shown an ability to play at both ends. He also takes care of the puck well.

Like McNeill and Philip Danault,—Chicago's other first rounder this summer—Saad has had his moments. Still, I would be surprised if all three weren't joining their junior teams soon.

5. Alec Richards

We may not know who will be backing up Corey Crawford in net this season, but we know who won't.

The former Yale goalie was earmarked for Rockford long before he reported to camp, where he will look to be more consistent. Giving up six goals in a scrimmage on Monday didn't hurt his chances of making the team because there was no chance Richards is ready for the NHL anyway.

Like Crawford himself, Richards needs time to develop into whatever he becomes, just like the other players on this list.