NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Vegas Golden Knights Feb 27, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro (38) skates ahead of Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Chicago Blackhawks send 22-year-old defenseman down to Rockford

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 11:23 AM ET

The young defensive core that has made it up to the Chicago Blackhawks blue line this season has given fans plenty of optimism for the future. This season began with the team having a handful of veterans on the defensive side of things, but that has since taken a turn since the trade deadline.

General manager Kyle Davidson finding a trade partner for Seth Jones got the ball rolling for giving out more minutes to the young defensemen in the Blackhawks’ system. Artyom Levshunov and Sam Rinzel have made their NHL debuts this year and already look the part as the top two right-shot blue liners of the future.

Another young defenseman who saw his game grow a ton at the NHL level this season will be going down to Rockford ahead of their playoff run.

Chicago Blackhawks send Ethan Del Mastro to Rockford

Del Mastro was officially sent down to Rockford on Friday prior to the Blackhawks’ final home game of the season on Saturday against the Jets. The 22-year-old will head back to the AHL to help the IceHogs in their quest for a Calder Cup this season.

The 2021 fourth round draft choice played in 24 games at the NHL level this season. Del Mastro finished the season with two goals and four assists while posting a -3 plus/minus rating. He was with the team for most of the campaign, but struggled to draw into the lineup consistently when more veterans were healthy and active. Del Mastro made his NHL debut a year ago, where he logged two total games at the end of the season.

NHL: Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks Feb 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro (38) shoots the puck against the Nashville Predators during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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