Blackhawks trim roster to 31, cut Paille, Kopecky, Visnovsky

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The Blackhawks announced Monday that they have released forwards Tomas Kopecky and Daniel Paille, and defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, all of whom were with the team on a professional tryout.

Kopecky, 33, recorded two goals and six assists in 64 regular-season games with the Florida Panthers last season, and signed with the Blackhawks on a tryout basis looking to rejuvenate his career in a place he helped bring a Stanley Cup to in 2010.

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Paille, a former Stanley Cup champion himself, was looking to do the same after becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer following six seasons in Boston. The 31-year-old forward had a solid camp, but a tight roster and minimal salary cap space didn't help his case.

Visnovsky, 39, showed that he still has something left in the tank and he appeared to have a legitimate chance at earning a roster spot with Michal Rozsival (ankle) out, but the Blackhawks appear to be set with the defenseman they have now heading into the season.

[NBC SHOP: Gear up for the 2015-16 Blackhawks season!]

The Blackhawks also assigned forward Brandon Mashinter and defenseman Cameron Schilling to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs.

The roster now includes 18 forwards, 10 defenseman and three goaltenders.

UPDATE: One day after the Blackhawks released Paille, the AHL's Rockford IceHogs signed him to a professional tryout. 

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