3 storylines to follow for the Chicago Blackhawks during training camp

Who becomes the second line center?

One spot on the Blackhawks roster that could become a battle amongst players is going to be the second line center position.

The Blackhawks did not have a true second line center last year behind Connor Bedard, and it looks like a few players could be in the running to take that role. The scoring throughout the roster should improve after the additions made this past offseason, but it is believed the team will look in-house to address their center needs as they did not add a high-profile centerman through trades or free agency.

When looking at the depth chart, it is reasonable to believe that Jason Dickinson, Philipp Kurashev, Andreas Athanasiou, and Frank Nazar will all be looking to fill that void on the second line.

Jason Dickinson was a standout for the Blackhawks last season with his breakout 22-goal season. He was the only player on the team to play a full 82 games and provided consistency on the defensive side of the puck. He will definitely get looks for a top-six role, though he may be one of those players who is decent on a team's second line but very good on a third line.

Frank Nazar looked the part of an NHL-ready player when he joined the team in the final three games of the season. He was engaged in plays on both ends of the ice and showed strong creativity and playmaking with the puck. The former 13th overall pick looks to be a big part of the future in Chicago and his skill could make him a great fit in the top-six. If Nazar has a strong camp, the spot could be his to lose.

Both Philipp Kurashev and Andreas Athanasiou have played center before in the NHL and it looks as though their placement on the roster is unknown. Kurashev had chemistry with Bedard but could get put in a different role now that new talent is expected to play in the top-six.

Athanasiou played center once returning from injury last year and showed good chemistry with Lukas Reichel on the third line, but a good showing at camp could propel him up the lineup if he is staying at the center position.