# Blackhawks build NHL lineup ahead of short camp

> Blackhawks finalize full NHL roster before 12-day season opener
- Title: Blackhawks build NHL lineup ahead of short camp | Shortify
- Summary: Blackhawks finalize full NHL roster before 12-day season opener Blackhawks have 24 players competing for NHL spots with Frank Nazar centering Patrick Kane…
- Keywords: blackhawks, nfl, patrick kane, frank nazar, roman kantserov, jeff blashill, kyle davidson, nhl, training camp, preseason, blackhawks lineup, hockey
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2026/09/17/blackhawks-training-camp-lines-jeff-blashill-frank-nazar
- Published: 2026-09-17T20:02:06.252+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: blackhawks, nfl, patrick kane, frank nazar, roman kantserov, jeff blashill, kyle davidson, nhl, training camp, preseason, blackhawks lineup, hockey
## Camp starts with NHL lineup
Blackhawks open training camp with full NHL roster already built out for the 2026-27 season
## Blashill's training camp speech
Coach Jeff Blashill gave a rousing speech before camp, saying players are ready to run through a wall

> You come out of a meeting like that last night, and you're ready to go
## Shortened camp timeline
Training camp lasts 12 days with four preseason games in eight days before the season opener
## NHL roster split
24 players compete for NHL spots while 25 go to AHL or junior teams, with one injured player
## Frank Nazar's role
Frank Nazar centers Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov on the top line for the first game
## Kane's confidence
Patrick Kane says he's ready to run through a wall after Blashill's speech

> You want to run through a wall
## Lineup details
Blackhawks have four forward lines with specific pairings for the first day of camp
## Defense pairing strategy
Bowen Byram shifts to right side with Alex Vlasic, creating top defensive pairing
## Injured player status
Connor Bedard has cleared all rehab hurdles but needs doctor approval for return timeline
## Preseason game limit
Players with 100+ NHL games can only appear in two preseason games max
## GM Davidson's focus
General manager Kyle Davidson prioritizes playoff readiness over roster depth

> We wouldn't make some of the transactions if we didn't believe there was a step to be had here
## Shortened camp impact
This year's camp is a sprint to build chemistry before the season opener in 12 days
## Player readiness
Blackhawks aim to deploy best possible lineups every night for playoff success
## Key takeaway

Blackhawks have 24 players competing for NHL spots with Frank Nazar centering Patrick Kane and Roman Kantserov