We're finally in the home stretch! The long offseason is coming to an end for
the Chicago Blackhawks. There are still so many question marks surrounding this
 team. But as we head into September, prospect camp commenced the weekend of
Sept. 7-11, and the training camp schedule has been released. Sept. 14 marks
the first practice, with Training Camp Festival the following day at the United
 Center. There will also be six preseason games, starting Sept. 18 and ending
Sept. 29. The first regular season contest is against the Ottawa Senators on
Oct. 4.

While we wait for these events and more answers to unfold, let's ask a few
questions of our Blackhawks' staff Greg Boysen, Meghan Dillon, and Gail
Kauchak.Which Blackhawks' Veteran Needs to Step up to Make the Season a
Success?

Meghan Dillon

As cliche as it sounds, Jonathan Toews. As captain, he can easily start a chain
 reaction when it comes to improvement. He has upgraded his training regimen,
and when I saw him play in the CPHL in July he played very well. I believe he
will improve this season and inspire others to step up their game.Blackhawks';
captain Jonathan Toews will try to jump start his team this coming season. 
[photo: Amy Irvin]Greg Boysen

Duncan Keith needs to be huge if the Blackhawks want to have any chance of
returning to the playoffs. Toews and Brandon Saad did everything you'd expect
them to do last season except score. A market correction should be in order
this year in respect to their shoot percentages (S%) and more goals will come.

Keith had a down year to his standards as the weight of being the team's top
defenseman seemed to finally take its toll on him. Unfortunately, not much will
 change this year. The front office is hoping he can return to his Norris
Trophy-winning form and he will need to do just that if this is to be a
successful year.

Gail Kauchak

All things hinge on the defense, and the defense runs on Duncan. Sure, he had
horrible statistics last year. He also had an awful lot of things going against
 him. He worked with a plethora of partners, and nobody that truly supported
him. Keith was left to babysit and cover for others. He, therefore, made more
mistakes and had little chance to contribute offensively.Can Duncan Keith
bounce back this season and help the Blackhawks make the playoffs? (Amy Irvin /
 The Hockey Writers)

There are whispers that Keith has lost a step, and that may be true. But it
could have more to do with how things unfolded last season. Head coach Joel
Quenneville didn't trust anyone else, and the 35-year-old found himself with a
lot of ice time in all situations. Keith needs more support, a consistent
linemate, and more manageable ice time. Then the veteran can step up his game,
and the Hawks, in turn, will be a better team.

While the veterans definitely need to pull their weight, we've already
established there are numerous opportunities for the youngsters to round out
this Blackhawks' team. There are no guarantees, but Dylan Sikura looks to be a
lock to make the starting lineup and contribute right away. But can he take it
a step further and establish himself as a member of one of the top two
lines?Will Prospect Dylan Sikura Be a Member of the Top Six Forwards?

Meghan Dillon

Sikura has the potential and talent to make it, but I believe it depends on his
 chemistry with teammates and training camp performance. If he meshes well with
 Toews or Patrick Kane and performs up to expectations, I don';t see why he
shouldn';t be a top-six forward. However, there are some very talented forwards
 in the third and fourth lines and he could fit in there as well. In my
opinion, your spot in the lineup largely depends on who you have the best
chemistry with.

Greg Boysen

Sikura will certainly be given every chance to earn a top-six spot. I see him
starting the year with Saad and Toews. Although he would be a dynamic addition
to the second line with Kane and Nick Schmaltz, defense is not his strong suit
at this point and it would not make much sense to add him an already weak
defensive line.It doesn';t appear to be a question of if, but rather where
prospect Dylan Sikura will fit into the Blackhawks'; lineup. (Photo by Daniel
Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Playing with two responsible players like Saad and Toews will definitely take
pressure off of him in his own zone and give him two great examples to learn
from. However, as we all know by watching Coach Quenneville over the past few
years, you rarely stay in the same spot in the lineup for a long period of
time.

Gail Kauchak

Yes, I think Sikura has been slated as a top-six forward all along. Although
we're not sure of exact positions, here's who we should see as members of the
top six.Saad - Toews -Alex DeBrincat -Schmaltz - Kane

Sikura is a right winger by trade. Could he slide into that spot next to Saad
and Toews on the first line? Before we get too excited, don't forget Coach Q
likes to experiment with his lines. There's also Artem Anisimov that could
easily slot into center while Schmaltz moves to the wing. And then there are
players like Victor Ejdsell and even John Hayden that could fill out the top
six, depending on fit and chemistry. We could easily see Sikura on the third
line for balance and a scoring threat, much like DeBrincat was the majority of
last season.

I predict Sikura will spend time on every line before he finally establishes
himself as a member of the top six before Christmas.Related - Blackhawks
Roundtable: Line Combos, Management, and Trades

We've already established there are numerous issues and question marks for the
Blackhawks headed into the 2018-19 season. We touched on a few of them with our
 questions above. But what does this season truly hinge on? Which leads us to
our final question.Most Pressing Concern: Offense, Defense, or Goaltending?

Meghan Dillon

Either defense or goaltending, it depends on who is (and who isn';t) on the
opening night roster. If Corey Crawford is healthy opening night, goaltending
shouldn';t be a problem. I do believe it';s not the worst thing in the world if
 he';s placed on LTIR and isn';t on the opening night roster, since there is a
chance he';ll be back midseason. He seems to be progressing, but only time will
 tell.The Chicago Blackhawks are hopeful Corey Crawford can make a full return
in net this season. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

I';ve said it before and I';ll say it again, Henri Jokiharju could really shake
 things up on the blue line if he makes the opening night roster. Rumor has it
that Keith and Seabrook are training harder than ever, which also brings
optimism to the blue line.

Greg Boysen

The biggest concern this year is the same as the biggest concern from last
year; the defense. Sure, Crawford's health is the elephant in the room heading
into the season, but the defense did not improve much in the offseason. Brandon
 Manning and Brandon Davidson do not make the Blackhawks a better hockey team.

The front office is hoping on improvement out of Connor Murphy with Keith and
Seabrook returning to their prime forms. That's an awfully big gamble that
likely will not pay off. It doesn't matter if Crawford is back to 100% or if
Cam Ward is in goal, this current defense is not made for long-term success for
 even the greatest of goaltenders.

Gail Kauchak

I continue my theme from the first question. The most pressing concern is on
defense. Sure, goaltending is a big issue and a huge unknown for this team. If
Crawford can't play, or if he can't perform to his previous caliber, this could
 be a huge problem. But a team can't just simply rely on one lone man to make
great saves.

The answers need to start before that. Championships are won with defense. The
Hawks have a lot of weapons on offense. Sure, they could use more depth at
center, and more consistency on the lines. But the main thing that can make
them a contender again is to develop a strong defense.Henri Jokiharju could
make a positive impact on the Blackhawks'; blueline. (Dayna Fjord/Portland
Winterhawks)

Keith and Seabrook need to become supporting characters (strong characters, but
 supporting characters) as prospects like Jokiharju and Adam Boqvist take the
reins. Unfortunately, this could take a few years. Fans need to be
patient.Related - Blackhawks Roundtable: Goalies, Defense, and Marian Hossa

All these questions and more will eventually be answered in the coming weeks
and months as the season evolves. Unfortunately, this roundtable doesn't give a
 very positive outlook, especially regarding defense and goaltending. Can the
Blackhawks prove us wrong? We'll find out soon.

The post Blackhawks Roundtable: Veterans, Sikura & Biggest Concern appeared
first on The Hockey Writers.

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