Gustav Forsling earns place among Blackhawks defensemen

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When the Blackhawks started training camp you expected to see unfamiliar faces make their opening-night roster. You just expected all of them to come among the forwards.

But that tells you how impressive Gustav Forsling’s camp was that the Blackhawks were adamant that they found a roster spot for him, even though they had their best depth on defense in a few years. Now, the 20-year-old is set to make his NHL debut.

Forsling will be in the lineup on Wednesday night when the Blackhawks play the St. Louis Blues in their season-opener. The Swedish defenseman made a great impression off the bat and played well throughout camp. And as coach Joel Quenneville said, if Forsling was going to be here, he’d be playing.

“He had a lot of poise throughout camp. We feel he has great instincts, gets better every day on the job and is working with some experienced defense as well,” Quenneville said following Monday’s practice. “Looking forward to see how he progresses in games. He can help our power play; he has a tremendous shot, poise and patience. We’ll see how he handles starting on Wednesday night.”

Forsling, like a few other prospects, was wondering over the last few days what his fate would be. He was understandably more relaxed on Monday.

“I mean, I’ve been pretty nervous the whole time, but you try not to think about it. There were some nervous days here, but (today) felt pretty good,” said Forsling, who added that the coaching staff kept him informed of what could happen. “Both (Quenneville) and Mike Kitchen have been good in talking with me, helping me out on the bench and off ice. We had pretty good conversations, so it feels good.”

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Now comes the time to prove himself. Where Forsling should benefit this season is the Blackhawks having one more veteran defenseman. He’ll still be expected to do what got him here, but there won’t be the pressure of too much responsibility too soon. That, and learning from guys like Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Brian Campbell and fellow countryman Niklas Hjalmarsson can only help.

“It’s been awesome. These guys are pretty good guys, tough defenders in the NHL,” Forsling said. “I’m learning every day here from these guys. It’s very good.”

Forsling has already felt comfortable in the room thanks to the Blackhawks’ fellow Swedes — he added that he and Dennis Rasmussen hang out off ice, too. So far, his comfort level on the ice also seems to be fine. Forsling wasn’t big on the radar when camp opened, but he’s earned an opportunity. Now, the big tests loom.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Forsling said “So it’s going to be fun.”

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