"Nick Leddy's life-altering decision in the summer to skip his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota to sign with the Blackhawks is proving to be a good one.

With veteran defenseman Brian Campbell sidelined four to five weeks with a sprained right knee suffered during Friday's exhibition game against the Penguins, Leddy is in line to stay with the Hawks when they open the season Thursday against the Avalanche.

"Somebody's obviously got a chance to play and grab minutes," coach Joel Quenneville said Saturday. "Nick is one guy that certainly helped himself as he's progressed here. He's still a young kid and we'll keep an eye on him, but he's one guy that certainly could get a chance.

"It's a big jump from where he was last year, but he seems to be pretty low-key in his approach. He's absorbed a lot as he's gone through camp and at this stage of his career that's a good sign that he's receptive and applies it correctly."

The 19-year-old Leddy has impressed coaches with his speed and poise with the puck in camp and will now get his chance to do it on a bigger stage. He is scheduled to be paired with Niklas Hjalmarsson on Sunday night as the Hawks close out the exhibition season against the Blues at the United Center. Not bad for someone who could instead be juggling pop quizzes and college dorm life.

"It was ultimately my decision and it was a long process," Leddy said of turning pro. "It took about a month talking to my family and coaches. It was a good decision, I guess. Playing here is a blast and (I'm) learning little things from some of the guys. I'll just keep playing my game and we'll see what happens."

Meanwhile, the loss of Campbell is a significant blow to the Hawks early in the season, but Quenneville believes his club can overcome it."