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After skipping the World Cup, Duncan Keith to make preseason debut tonight

Washington Capitals v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 28: Duncan Keith #2 of the Chicago Blackhawks keeps his eyes on an airborne puck against the Washington Capitals at the United Center on February 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Capitals 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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At one point it looked like Duncan Keith may miss the start of the regular season. But that’s no longer the case -- the Blackhawks’ star defenseman will make his preseason debut tonight at home against Detroit. If all goes well and there are no issues with the knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup, he should be ready for next Wednesday when Chicago plays for real in St. Louis.

The big question now is whether young Gustav Forsling will remain with the NHL club. The 20-year-old defenseman has impressed during the preseason, and he’s outlasted the likes of Viktor Svedberg, Erik Gustafsson, Cameron Schilling, and Ville Pokka.

The Blackhawks’ active roster currently has eight d-men, and they may keep that many to start the season. (That list of eight includes Niklas Hjalmarsson, who will miss the first game due to a suspension.)

If Forsling doesn’t stick with the ‘Hawks, he’s expected to return to Sweden for the year.

Related: The ‘Hawks like what they’ve got in Kempny