"We've slotted Dave in at that third-line role for a long time... now is the time to give him an expanded role on our team. The timing is now to see if it fits," said Hawks GM Stan Bowman.
"He's got a lot of skills, and he's scored a lot of big goals for us. He's got the ability to do things offensively... He's really earned the opportunity to see what he can do."
Bolland, 26, registered 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 76 games with the Blackhawks last season.
The native of Mimico, Ontario, is excited at his expanded role with the club.
"Playing with Kaner and Sharpie is always a privilege," he said. "It's a big role to embrace, but I'm ready for it," he said.
Meanwhile, Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador failed his physical after showing concussion-like symptoms.
Montador, 33, might have suffered another concussion while skating with teammates this past week, though that has not yet been confirmed.
"He's not ready to play," Bowman said.
If the symptoms are deemed serious, the Blackhawks might be go shopping for a replacement.
