Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Players To Watch In Training Camp

1. Marko Dano

The No. 1 reason I’m excited about Chicago Blackhawks training camp came at a cost of a player I thought we would be cheering for in Chicago for the next decade, and part of the core of the Blackhawks. But it wasn’t meant to be for Brandon Saad and in the end we have a new reason to be excited.

The Chicago Blackhawks picked up their No. 2 center they have coveted for years in Artem Anisimov, but it was the other player in the trade that really has me ready for training camp in Dano.

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Dano gets into the super young category at only 20 and he has a skill set comparable to that of Brandon Saad, so where he lines up during training camp and the preseason will be fun to watch.

After an injury to Daniel Carcillo in 2013, Coach Q threw Saad onto a line with Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews and his development never quit, so it will be interesting to see if the coaching staff will give Dano the same shot at lining up with two future Hall of Famers. It could signal the beginning of fireworks for the Blackhawks and Chicago Blackhawks fans!

Dano has huge upside and unlike Panarin will not be treated with kid gloves as he gets used to the smaller rinks. Dano had 8 goals and 13 assists in 35 games with Columbus last season, so even though they have to be excited about Saad some fans have to wonder where Dano’s development will lead, and now we will find out in Chicago. Dano should become a fan favorite in Chicago sooner than later.

What are your three reasons to look forward to training camp?

Next: Blackhawks Rivals Part I

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