Blackhawks to open season with six rookies on the roster

The Blackhawks appear to have their opening-night roster.

The Hawks sent forward Alexandre Fortin back to his junior team, sent goaltender Ivan Nalimov back to the KHL, and put Andrew Desjardins on injured reserve on Monday. Both Brandon Mashinter and Mark McNeill were placed on waivers on Monday, according to TSN. If they clear, they’ll be sent to Rockford.

That would leave the Hawks with the maximum of 23 players — 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goalies. That means rookies Nick Schmaltz, Tyler Motte, Vinnie Hinostroza, Ryan Hartman and Gustav Forsling all have made the team, as well as 26-year-old Czech import Michal Kempny.

Desjardins was injured blocking a shot in the third period of Saturday’s preseason finale. Quenneville said he’ll be out four to six weeks.