3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks setting their 23-man roster for opening night

The Chicago Blackhawks finished a rough preseason on a high note.

The Blackhawks crushed the St. Louis Blues 6-2 in a showcase for the team's fan base in Milwaukee. It was a showcase in which already demoted prospects Frank Nazar, Landon Slaggert, and Colton Dach got briefly recalled to play.

It was done so the Hawks did not have to risk injuries to the players who made the final cut.

However, Connor Bedard did play. Since this was a showcase and the Hawks are having trouble keeping Connor off the ice, it was no surprise he played.

Nazar, Slaggert, and Dach were returned to Rockford after the game. That means the 23-man roster for opening night in Utah has been set.

There are three takeaways from the Hawks setting the initial 23.

Nolan Allan surprisingly made the cut.

It is surprising for three reasons. First, he did not get a cup of coffee with the team last season, while fellow prospects such as Ethan Del Mastro, Isaak Philips, Wyatt Kaiser, and Louis Crevier did.

Second, when camp started, it looked like those four along with Kevin Korchinski had a better shot at starting the season with the Hawks.

Third, the Hawks front office prefers having their blueliners log as much time as possible in Rockford.

Now, the roster spot likely would have gone to Kaiser had an illness not placed him on IR. Philips' time with the team last year and having more time logged with the IceHogs would have figured to have given him a leg up on Allan.

Instead, Allan appears to have won a spot as the club requested waivers on Philips.

Allan did have a goal last night set up by a nifty pass from Bedard.

Head coach Luke Richardson liked Allan's physical play, especially yesterday. Allan likely will only be up until Kaiser comes off IR. Although the Hawks are a player under the roster limit right now.

It could mean Kaiser might be on his way back or the team has another roster move it will make.