Colton Dach and Landon Slaggert will not start the season with the Chicago Blackhawks

It was an uphill battle, but Colton Dach and Landon Slaggert hoped to beat out some of the veterans for a spot on the Chicago Blackhawks' opening night roster.

Instead, they will start the season with the franchise's AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

Both going to Rockford is best for their development.

Dach is the big, physical forward the Hawks can use on the ice. An injury limited him to just 48 games. The front office wants to avoid rushing him to the NHL like the previous one did with his brother, Kirby.

While the current version of the Hawks could use a forward who can pack a hit while providing skill at the same time, the front office has dictated that all of the team's promising prospects must earn a roster spot on the NHL roster.

Unless Dach was amazing during training camp, there was no chance he was going to make the Blackhawks' opening night roster.

Slaggert had a better shot than Dach, but he, too, had a high bar to clear to make the Blackhawks. The front office is high on Slaggert's floor of being a productive bottom-six player and his ceiling of being a good top-six forward.

He showed flashes of that during his brief tour after signing with the club out of Notre Dame. If he is to reach his ceiling, a year at Rockford to refine his game will be beneficial.

Plus, if there is an injury, it would not be surprising if Slaggert is the first call-up. Dach could be a call-up later in the season if he stays healthy.

The good thing is both players, who can be vital cogs on the next competitive team, will be given patience to develop their games. Instead of being rushed to help sell hope, they will be allowed to work on the finer details of their game so they can contribute at the level the front office hopes they will when they arrive.

Also, playing some more professional games among his peers will allow him to be more comfortable being on the ice when he returns to the NHL.