Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Drew Commesso

Drew Commesso began the season with the Rockford IceHogs, a third season as the guy in the AHL. Although Commesso debuted in the 2024-25 season, the 2025-26 season allowed Commesso to show what he can really do. In another extended look at the AHL level, Commesso posted a 3.08 GAA, .901 save percentage, and 13-20-2-1 record.

Commesso’s season debut was a bit of a disaster. In fairness to the player, Spencer Knight was a last-minute scratch due to illness in that game against the Washington Capitals in early January, and Commesso looked like he wasn’t prepared. However, he bounced back in a big way just one night later, shutting out the Nashville Predators in their own building on 36 saves.

Fans didn’t see Commesso again until March, but he was great in a game against the Utah Mammoth. Two goals against on 25 shots and a win gave everyone a lot of hope about Commesso’s future with the organization. Commesso signed a two-year deal, with a one-way structure in the second year. That clearly suggests the team expects him to be the regular behind night in the 2027-28 season.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: B

Commesso had a really unfortunate first start in the NHL this year. During the flu outbreak in the Chicago Blackhawks locker room, Commesso had less than 24 hours to prepare for a game against the Washington Capitals. Safe to say it went very, very poorly. But Commesso rebounded the very next night, posting a shutout vs Nashville. In three games, Commesso looked solid and will take the mantle of backup after Arvid Soderblom departs from the franchise.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: B-

Commesso got the call during the Blackhawks plague that took over the locker room and made the most of his opportunity by securing his first NHL shutout victory and winning two out of his three starts at the NHL level. That’s an above-average effort. B-.

Ron Luce’s Grade: B-

It may have been a small NHL sample size for Drew Commesso, but he was damn good when called upon. Outside of a season debut that came out of left field in Washington, Commesso showed up in big moments for the Blackhawks all season. The shutout in Nashville the night after the Washington game will stick out when thinking about this past season. He is definitely going to be in consideration for the back up spot next season.

What’s On Tap Next?

Drew Commesso still has a chance to be the backup next season, especially if he outplays Arvid Soderblom or Soderblom struggles mightily early on. Regardless, Commesso feels like a big part of the future in net for Chicago.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Drew Commesso? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Connor Murphy