Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Ethan Del Mastro

Ethan Del Mastro spent majority of his season in the AHL, with 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) in 45 games. Del Mastro got some run late in the season after injuries and trades cleared a pathway to NHL ice time. That said, he was largely underwhelming, sheltered on the third pair while contributing just one assist offensively. The former AHL All-Star unfortunately felt like more of an afterthought last season than he did a piece of the future puzzle.

For Del Mastro, there is a path to a future with the Blackhawks. Kevin Korchinski has not been able to secure a spot on the left side of the defense, meaning a third-pairing role could be available for Del Mastro. However, he has yet to show enough to convince Kyle Davidson and the rest of the front office that he is worth the roster spot. Right now, he seems to simply be depth on a young and crowded blue line.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: C

Ethan Del Mastro is an interesting case study. In the AHL, he seems to be doing fine, with 18 points in 45 games this season. But he can never find his game in the NHL. Year in and year out, he has struggled; this season was no different.

In 19 games, Del Mastro recorded just one point, even with the revelation of Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier and former highly-touted prospects such as Nolan Allan being moved out. Del Mastro looks to be on his last leg after another stint without any true conviction from his play.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: C-

Del Mastro played in just 19 games this season for the Chicago Blackhawks, five less than he did the prior season. He also found the scoresheet five fewer times and tallied only one assist in that span. While the scoresheet only tells one part of the story, especially for a young defenseman, some other concerning metrics include his average time on ice falling by almost four minutes, and an increase in goals allowed while he was one the ice.

At 23, there is still time for EDM to become an NHL caliber defenseman, and the tools are there, but it’s starting to get to the point where if they don’t show up he will be stuck in a depth roll as we saw this past season.

Ron Luce’s Grade: C

We didn’t see much of Ethan Del Mastro in 2026-27, but the stay-at-home defenseman was fine in his time with the Hawks. He tallied his only point in the season finale, and didn’t play a ton of minutes on the third pair. Del Mastro is a former AHL All-Star, so there is hope that he can become a serviceable NHL piece.

However, it seems like he is pretty far down the depth chart on the left side. He was, again, fine this season. That said, more is expected if he is going to stick around long term.

What’s On Tap Next?

Ethan Del Mastro is currently a restricted free agent, and was given a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks. There is a chance he simply accepts that qualifying offer and returns to prove himself for one more season. However, if the 23-year-old fails to show much, he may be let go or moved in a deal around this time next summer.

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

Next Up: Ilya Mikheyev