"Of all the players from last year's Stanley Cup-winning team who are no longer with the Blackhawks, is it possible that unheralded defenseman Brent Sopel may be the most difficult to replace?

Sopel wasn't the most fleet-footed of the Hawks' blue-liners, and fans often voiced their displeasure with him from the United Center rafters. But his departure left a glaring hole on the Hawks' penalty kill, which was fourth-best in the NHL and one of their biggest strengths last season.

Veterans Brian Campbell, John Scott and Nick Boynton were mentioned by coach Joel Quenneville at the start of camp as possible replacements for Sopel, who stood out for his prowess and willingness to block shots. Jordan Hendry also has gotten short-handed minutes this preseason.

But Campbell -- who was signed in July 2008 in part to improve the Hawks' power play -- has asked for the additional responsibility. It's his goal to be an essential part of both special teams.

''I've done it before,'' Campbell said. ''I've asked to do it this year. Obviously, last year we had a great penalty kill. ... With Brent gone, I want to be in that role. I want to be in that opportunity.''

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are back as the Hawks' top defensive pairing and will continue to be the first ones used on the penalty kill. They led the team in short-handed minutes in the regular season. But in the playoffs, Sopel (3:53 short-handed minutes per game) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (3:37) led the way. Each had 54 blocked shots in the postseason, the most among the Hawks.

Up front, replacing Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg and John Madden looks less worrisome. Bryan Bickell, Jake Dowell, Jack Skille, Fernando Pisani and Ryan Potulny all appear suited to handle those depth roles, including some on special teams. "