Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks Announce Opening Night Roster

The team kept 13 forwards, including rookies Dominik Kahun and Luke Johnson

The Chicago Blackhawks have officially set their 2018-19 opening night roster, and several key players won’t be available as the season kicks off.

Defensemen Connor Murphy and Gustav Forsling, who both underwent surgery in the offseason, will both begin the season on injured reserve, the team announced on Wednesday. Murphy underwent back surgery and is expected to return in November or December, and Forsling could be back even sooner than that after undergoing wrist surgery this summer.

Goaltender Corey Crawford, who began to practice with the team this week after missing several months with a concussion, will also begin the season on injured reserve, but could return in mid-October, head coach Joel Quenneville said.

Here is the full roster:

Forwards (13): Artem Anisimov, Alex DeBrincat, John Hayden, Luke Johnson, Dominik Kahun, David Kampf, Patrick Kane, Marcus Kruger, Chris Kunitz, Andreas Martinsen, Brandon Saad, Nick Schmaltz, Jonathan Toews

Defensemen (7): Brandon Davidson, Erik Gustafsson, Henri Jokiharju, Duncan Keith, Brandon Manning, Jan Rutta, Brent Seabrook

Goaltenders (2): Anton Forsberg, Cam Ward

Among the forwards, Kahun and Johnson stand out, as the youngsters will look to prove that they have the skillset to be full-time NHL players. Kahun has gotten some playing time in the top six forward group, and could be a player to watch moving forward with the Blackhawks.

On defense, the Blackhawks opted to keep 2017 first round pick Jokiharju, who dazzled in camp with his two-way skill and improved defensive instincts. He should see time early with Keith on the top pairing, giving him plenty of chances to showcase his skills.

Puck drop between the Blackhawks and Senators is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday night.

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