The Blackhawks lineup was a pretty good indicator of what the team could look like on Opening Night. Most of the expected regulars faced the Bruins with the possible exception of David Kampf, who watched while Anton Wedin got the call to center the third line alongside wingers Brandon Saad and Dominik Kubalik.
"We just want to see a lot of guys who can play center," Colliton said. "It's just an opportunity to show how versatile (Wedin) is and if it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. But I think he could be a good option for us even if he doesn't play there regularly. We want as many guys as possible who are comfortable down low, share the workload so we can play the way we need to play."
Colliton had fewer players to choose from as the Blackhawks trimmed the training camp roster to 32, including 18 forwards, 11 defensemen and three goaltenders.
Assigned to Rockford of the AHL on Saturday were forwards Dylan Sikura, Matthew Highmore, Brandon Hagel, Philipp Kurashev, Mikael Hakkarainen, Alexandre Fortin, Reese Johnson, MacKenzie Entwistle, defensemen Nicolas Beaudin, Joni Tuulola, Lucas Carlsson and goaltenders Matt Tomkins and Kevin Lankinen.
Colliton said he told the players trimmed from the roster to remain positive and bide their time.
"We told them the first meeting that we need a deep group," Colliton said. "That's what we feel we need to have to have a successful team. We need depth at all positions and competition and even if you don't make the team out of camp, it doesn't mean you're not going to be a part of it. Could be soon, could be down the road, but if we want to have playoff success we're going to have to dig deep into that depth to go any length of time. It's important whether it's now or if they don't make the team, they're in Rockford, continue to show their best side (and) perform well. You never know when the chance is going to come. So, first of all you want to be prepared, and second of all, when people are watching you want it to be the side of the game you want them to see."
"A lot of guys, they waste 2-3 weeks because they're sulking or whatever it may be," Colliton added. "They think they got a raw deal. And you know what, sometimes that is the case. Sometimes it's not the case, but it really doesn't matter, it has no effect. It's not important anymore. What's important is the next day and making sure you do everything you can to perform at a high level because everyone's got a story as far as why they didn't break through, why they didn't make it. Ultimately, you've got to earn your own way."