Koekkoek waiting to see where he fits in with his new team

When new players have arrived via trade or from Rockford, Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton’s style has been to work them into the lineup immediately.

That wasn’t the case with defenseman Slater Koekkoek, whom the Hawks acquired Friday in a trade that sent Jan Rutta to the Lightning and also swapped late-round draft picks.

Koekkoek (pronounced “Koo Koo”) was with the team Saturday for the morning skate wearing No. 68 but wasn’t scheduled to play against the Golden Knights.

There simply isn’t a spot for him at the moment. The Hawks have been happy with their current blend of veteran and young blue liners: Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Connor Murphy, Erik Gustafsson, Henri Jokiharju and Carl Dahlstrom.

Koekkoek, 24, has been trying to figure out where he fits in with the Hawks. He had not been able to crack the Lightning’s lineup and was with their AHL team when he learned of the trade.

“In my head, I have some ideas, but ultimately it’s up to the coach and what he thinks,” Koekkoek said. “I’m just here to work hard until I get my opportunity and then do what I can out there.”

Colliton spoke highly of Koekkoek’s skating skills and said it’s not necessary for him to be overly physical.

“He can compete for a role,” Colliton said. “We’ll see how that plays out. We can watch all the tape you want, but when you get him, here that’s when we’re going to really evaluate him.”

With Koekkoek and Brandon Davidson, the Hawks are carrying eight defensemen and will have another in the mix when Gustav Forsling (upper torso) comes off injured reserve. The most likely scenario would be sending Forsling and Davidson to Rockford. Davidson already has cleared waivers and Forsling is exempt.

Young guest stars: The Hawks invited 9-year-old Colman Kuzniar to join them on the ice for morning practice to fulfill his wish to practice with his favorite team. Kuzniar, who has common variable immune deficiency, was able to shoot and score on Cam Ward and spent time talking with his favorite player, Jonathan Toews.

“(Toews) just wanted me to beat him in a faceoff,” Kuzniar said. “Which I did.”

The Hawks worked with Make-A-Wish Illinois to help Kuzniar’s dream come true.