Rookie winger Baun keeps on pushing

Kyle Baun still isn’t taking anything for granted.

Despite surviving Friday’s round of cuts and looking set for a roster spot, the rookie winger said Saturday “I still don’t think anything’s solidified.”

“I’m just still trying to do my thing every day and work hard and play my role,” Baun said.

After leaving Colgate University, Baun signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Blackhawks in March. He played in three games and had no points, but Baun said that experience was valuable as he tried to get through training camp this fall, one that had him and a few other similar players competing for a limited number of spots.

“Mentally more than anything, it’s stressful,” Baun said. “You’re coming to the rink every day not really sure where you stand. But I try to block it out as much as possible and just focus on my own game. That’s all you can do. You can’t really control all those external factors.”

Ready or not…

Artemi Panarin was set to make his preseason debut Saturday night. He stood out during the Hawks’ stay at Notre Dame, but was sidelined with an upperbody injury until returning to practice Friday, leaving questions whether he belongs.

“Great question. We’ve got to seemore,” coach Joel

Quenneville said. “Watching him, there’s a certain level of skill there and ability. He’s fun to watch and so he gets an opportunity. Maybe it wasn’t like the other ones but certainly [given] his history, he earned that.”

Reportedly, the Hawks’ two-year deal with Panarin includes a clause that would allow him to return to Russia’s KHL if he is not in the NHL, perhaps precluding a trip to Rockford that he might need for seasoning.

Quenneville said he hasn’t talked about that option with Panarin.

“We were very happy at the time [we signed him], and then watching him play,” Quenneville said, “we’re still happy and excited.”

Leighton sent down

Goaltender Michael Leighton was assigned to Rockford, essentially setting the opening-night roster.

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