Chicago Blackhawks send Ethan Del Mastro to AHL Affiliate Rockford IceHogs

Heading into training camp, Ethan Del Mastro was in a competitive battle for one of the final defensive spots on the Chicago Blackhawks roster. While most expected Nolan Allan to secure the third-pairing left defenseman role, Del Mastro ended up being a surprise inclusion on the opening-night roster.

However, things didn’t go as planned for the 22-year-old. Del Mastro struggled during the preseason and couldn’t carry much momentum into the regular season. With Alex Vlasic sidelined due to injury, the Blackhawks gave Del Mastro a shot in their season opener against the Florida Panthers. Unfortunately, his performance reflected his preseason form.

During the 3–2 loss in Florida, Del Mastro was on the ice for the game-winning goal and posted tough defensive metrics, as the Panthers led 6–1 in high-danger chances at even strength during his 17:35 of ice time.

When Vlasic returned to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins, Del Mastro was a healthy scratch despite head coach Jeff Blashill dressing seven defensemen. The writing was on the wall. With veteran Matt Grzelcyk signed to a one-year deal and contributing well early, there simply wasn’t a regular lineup spot available for Del Mastro.

Chicago Blackhawks prioritize development with Rockford IceHogs

The Chicago Blackhawks have made it clear that they want their young players to play, not sit in the press box. That’s exactly why this move makes sense for Del Mastro and the organization.

At just 22 years old, Del Mastro is still early in his professional development. With only two years of AHL experience under his belt, he’ll benefit from playing big minutes in all situations rather than serving as a seventh or eighth defenseman at the NHL level.

Head coach Jeff Blashill and general manager Kyle Davidson both emphasized during training camp that consistent ice time is crucial for the team’s young defensemen. Sending Del Mastro to Rockford aligns perfectly with that philosophy. There, he’ll rejoin fellow defensive prospects Kevin Korchinski and Nolan Allan on the IceHogs’ blue line.

Del Mastro’s return will be a big boost for Rockford as they prepare for the start of the AHL season. The IceHogs open their campaign Saturday night against the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

This trio, Korchinski, Allan, and Del Mastro, represents the future of Chicago’s defense, and getting them major minutes together will only strengthen their chemistry and confidence moving forward.

What’s next for Ethan Del Mastro and the Chicago Blackhawks

While being sent down can feel like a setback, it’s far from the end of the road for Ethan Del Mastro. The Chicago Blackhawks still believe in his potential as a physical, stay-at-home defenseman who can play a steady role in the team’s future blue line core.

At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Del Mastro brings size and strength to his game, but he’ll need to polish his defensive reads and decision-making before securing a permanent NHL role. Playing consistent minutes in Rockford will help him do just that.

Meanwhile, for the Blackhawks, the move helps bring clarity to their defensive rotation. Alex Vlasic and Connor Murphy are locked into top-four roles, while Sam Rinzel, Wyatt Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov continue to develop under Blashill’s watchful eye.

Del Mastro’s time in Rockford should give him the experience he needs to come back stronger and more prepared for his next NHL opportunity, whether later this season or beyond.

For now, the focus remains on development, and the Chicago Blackhawks are taking the right approach by ensuring their young talent continues to grow in the right environment.