The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from their AHL affiliate in Rockford, filling the roster spot left open by the recent trade of Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers, according to Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio 720. This move comes as the team prepares for the impending NHL trade deadline later this week.
Del Mastro’s Development and Performance in the AHL
At 23 years old, Ethan Del Mastro was selected by the Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Since turning professional in 2023, he has steadily progressed within the organization, showing promise as a reliable shutdown defenseman who can serve in the top four or as a dependable bottom-pairing option. Over 161 AHL games, Del Mastro has recorded a total of 9 goals and 55 assists, compiling 64 points in all, while maintaining a plus-23 rating, ranking him among the top 32 defensemen in the league for those with 100 or more games played. This season alone, he has contributed 2 goals and 16 assists, with an overall plus-8 rating over 45 contests.
NHL Experience and Prospects Within the Blackhawks
Del Mastro has had prior stints with the Blackhawks, including a 24-game NHL run last year that suggested he could secure a full-time role this season. However, the signing of Matt Grzelcyk in the offseason bolstered the defensive lineup, limiting Del Mastro’s opportunities. He was recalled briefly in December, appearing in two games before returning to Rockford.
Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times ranked Del Mastro as the 10th-best prospect in the Blackhawks system this January. Pope highlighted that breakthrough seasons from prospects Wyatt Kaiser and Louis Crevier have tightened the competition for NHL ice time among Chicago’s defensive prospects. Despite this, Del Mastro’s strong play at the AHL level keeps him in consideration for a full-time NHL position.
Short-Term Role and Competition Ahead of Kaiser’s Return
The current recall of Del Mastro is expected to last until Wyatt Kaiser, who is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained before the Olympic break, returns from injured reserve later this month. During this period, Del Mastro has an opportunity to compete with fellow young defender Kevin Korchinski for ice time on the Blackhawks’ bottom pairing behind Matt Grzelcyk and Alex Vlasic. His performance in these upcoming games may influence whether the Blackhawks make additional roster decisions before the trade deadline, potentially adjusting their defensive group further.
Implications for the Blackhawks’ Defensive Depth
Del Mastro’s recall provides the Blackhawks with a chance to evaluate a promising young defender as the team navigates its roster challenges into the trade deadline. His ability to step into the NHL lineup and contribute defensively could affect Chicago’s strategy regarding its defensive depth, especially with Kaiser’s return imminent. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both Del Mastro and the Blackhawks as they manage their roster in pursuit of stability on the blue line.
#Blackhawks recall defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.
No surprise after the Connor Murphy trade.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) March 3, 2026
