Alex DeBrincat’s belief that he could make the Blackhawks’ roster out of training camp never wavered.
Frankly, coach Joel Quenneville had an idea it might happen, too.
‘‘He exited [the] Traverse City [prospect tournament] on a high note, so I think everybody was excited about how well he performed there,’’ Quenneville said. ‘‘We were trying to see how he would fit in against bigger, stronger, smarter players. He continues to find ways to generate offense. He does a lot of good things that we like.’’
Enough good things that DeBrincat will be in the Hawks’ opening-night lineup Thursday against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins. DeBrincat will be the first Hawks player to jump straight from juniors to the NHL since Brandon Saad in 2011. Saad lasted only two games, but DeBrincat looks like he’s here to stay.
‘‘Work’s not done,’’ DeBrincat said. ‘‘There’s a lot more that can be accomplished. I’m lucky I’m still here are this point. I’ve just got to keep working hard to stay.’’
The Hawks made their final cuts Monday, putting veterans Jordin Tootoo and Tomas Jurco on waivers and sending Vinnie Hinostroza to Rockford. That means John Hayden made the team, too. Like DeBrincat, he forced Quenneville’s hand with a stellar camp.
‘‘[Hayden] came in determined to get a roster spot, which helped us and himself, as well,’’ Quenneville said.
The Hawks will have 13 forwards and eight defensemen, as Gustav Forsling, Jan Rutta, Jordan Oesterle and Cody Franson all made the team. Franson is still on a player-tryout agreement, however, and won’t be able to sign until the Hawks put Marian Hossa on long-term injured reserve. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Monday that Hossa’s status will be determined ‘‘shortly.’’ The league had conducted its own medical investigation into Hossa’s skin disorder.
The Hawks gave up a third-round pick to acquire Jurco last season, then protected him from the expansion draft and re-signed him to a one-year, $800,000 contract. But he struggled in camp, just as he struggled in the spring.
Tootoo played 50 games for the Hawks last season and was a valued member of the dressing room despite posting only two goals and an assist. Asked recently whether he would be willing to go to Rockford if he were to be waived, Tootoo was noncommittal. Quenneville, though, said Tootoo will report to the IceHogs.
The Hawks also put goalie J-F Berube on waivers, which means Anton Forsberg will be Corey Crawford’s backup.
Follow me on Twitter @MarkLazerus.
Email: mlazerus@suntimes.com
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