Currently, Chicago has 14 NHL-quality forwards signed for next year. That total does not include Aliu, Beach or Jack Skille. Most likely the Hawks will break training camp with 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders. Their roster could include only 21 players, but most likely will be 22. As it stands, a 23-man roster is unlikely because of salary cap constraints.
Decisions for Hawks management get more complicated because Beach will not be old enough to play in the AHL next year. A season in the AHL could have helped Beach’s development a great deal. Junior hockey has to be getting old for Kyle. Boredom can often lead to a lack of development or discipline issues. Neither would be good for Beach.