Blackhawks prospect A.J. Spellacy earns camp invite

Earning a spot in Team USA’s camp is no small accomplishment. The forward group slated for Duluth features a mix of elite goal scorers, high-skill playmakers, and physically dominant two-way threats, and Spellacy finds himself right in the middle of that group.

The U.S. camp roster includes top NHL prospects like Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Teddy Stiga, Kamil Bednarik, and Max Plante, forming one of the deepest forward pools USA Hockey has assembled in years. Spellacy being named among these players shows just how much his stock has risen.

This season with the Windsor Spitfires, Spellacy has impressed scouts with his combination of speed, physicality, and a strong shot, which helped him earn a serious look for the World Juniors. USA Hockey believes he can compete for a bottom-six wing role — but his pace and offensive instincts could earn him an even bigger role if he performs well during camp.

The full preliminary roster includes:

Forwards:
Kamil Bednarik, Trevor Connelly, Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Will Horcoff, Jacob Kvasnicka, Ryker Lee, Cole McKinney, Brendan McMorrow, LJ Mooney, Max Plante, A.J. Spellacy, Teddy Stiga, Shane Vansaghi, Brodie Ziemer

Defensemen:
Asher Barnett, Henry Brzustewicz, EJ Emery, Blake Fiddler, Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson, Adam Kleber, Luke Osburn, Chase Reid, Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen

Goalies:
Caleb Heil, Nick Kempf, AJ Reyelts

USA Hockey is expected to finalize its roster by December 24, ahead of exhibition games against Germany and Finland at AMSOIL Arena. With the U.S. having won back-to-back gold medals, the 2026 group aims to continue that dominance, and Spellacy has a legitimate opportunity to be part of it.

A Big Moment for Spellacy and a Positive Sign for the Blackhawks’ Future

Spellacy’s rise has been steady, and many Blackhawks fans thought he had a realistic shot of making Chicago’s NHL roster after a strong showing during training camp this past summer. He impressed with his skating, energy, and maturity, but the organization ultimately assigned him to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins to continue developing.

Even so, the camp invite confirms what Chicago’s front office already knows: Spellacy is becoming a real contender for an NHL role in the near future.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, seeing a drafted player earn national attention is an encouraging sign. The franchise is in the middle of a long-term rebuild, and players like Spellacy represent the next wave of talent that will eventually surround Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, Oliver Moore, and Artyom Levshunov.

If Spellacy sticks through the final roster cuts, he will have the chance to represent the U.S. on one of hockey’s biggest stages — a moment that could accelerate his development and give him invaluable experience against elite global competition.

A strong World Junior showing has helped launch the careers of many NHL players, and Spellacy now has that same opportunity in front of him. For Blackhawks fans, it’s one more reason to watch the upcoming World Juniors closely — because the future of Chicago hockey might be skating for Team USA.