Aidan Thompson's path to the NHL is clear, if he chooses it

Aidan Thompson was a prospect many Chicago Blackhawks fans kept an eye on last season, not only because of his play, but also because he was playing at the University of Denver. For much of last year, there was hope that Denver head coach David Carle would come to Chicago, so the Pioneers got extra attention in the Windy City.

In the end, Carle decided to stay in Denver, while Thompson turned pro after their season came to an end. Today, he was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs, ending his run in his first National Hockey League training camp. His path to making the NHL is clear if he chooses to embrace the role.

Time in Rockford Helped Heading into First NHL Camp

Thompson came into rookie camp earlier in the month as one of the more confident prospects. Not only was he one of the oldest players in camp, but he already had a taste of the professional game by spending some time in the American Hockey League at the end of the last season.

With the IceHogs, Thompson had an assist in four regular-season contests. He elevated his game in the Calder Cup Playoffs, scoring two goals and four points in seven games. His style of play fit perfectly with postseason hockey. Those 11 games helped him get used to the speed of the AHL before heading into the offseason.

“Every level you go up, the plays are made a little quicker,” he said. “The speed of the skating takes a big jump from the USHL to college. The pace of play jump is even bigger when you go from college to the pro level.”

Thompson said that the combination of those games with the IceHogs and the past couple of developmental camps made him comfortable coming into this year’s training camp. Having familiarity with many of the other players and coaches made the transition easier for the 23-year-old forward.

Offseason Training & a Path to the NHL

Thompson’s skating ability is one of his most prominent traits that led to his selection in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. At the time, the Blackhawks were in desperate need of good skaters and team speed. Fast forward to 2025, and the prospect pool is loaded with guys who can fly on the ice. This led Thompson to focus on his shot and strength over the summer, as he believed that improving his strength over time would enhance his shot.

“My shot has not always been my greatest strength,” he admitted. “So, I wanted to work on not only my strengths, but my weaknesses, as well. I tried to shoot pucks every day to get a little more powerful and a little more accurate. The more you shoot, the more it will work itself out.”

Oftentimes, young players struggle with embracing new roles. The AHL is filled with players who were the top scorers on their AAA, junior, and college teams. There are only so many top-six spots available in the NHL, and those prospects who learn to change their style of play sooner usually have a better chance at a long career at the top level.

Dave Bolland scored 57 goals and 130 points in his last junior season with the London Knights. However, he quickly realized that he would never be a top-line player with the Blackhawks, so he adjusted his game to fill a role that was needed.

When I asked head coach Jeff Blashill’s opinion on what Thompson’s best path to Chicago is, he knew exactly what it would take.

“Aidan needs to continue to do what he does well, in terms of competing really hard,” Blashill said. “He’s a competitive guy, for sure. Ultimately, he’ll find his way under guys’ skin, which is a positive thing. He’s going to have to make sure he can be a good bottom-six forward. One of the hardest things to do is to come in and steal a top-six forward job. So, guys like him have to find a way to be a good bottom-six and then build your way up.

“How do you become a good bottom-six guy? In his case, he's definitely an energy guy where he’s on the forecheck, hounding on the backcheck, and gets underneath people’s skin. If he does all those things and knows not to turn pucks over in the neutral zone, it will allow him to be a good energy guy. Maybe you then find your way to a spot on the fourth or third line, and maybe you can work your way up from there.”

Thompson should become a key member of the IceHogs this season. He can learn to embrace his bottom-six role down there, while adding some secondary scoring. Playing with Samuel Savoie will help him along in the “getting under people’s skin” department. Every great team is made up of 18 skaters who willingly accept their roles. For every superstar, you need a guy who can do the dirty work without worrying about the spotlight. Thompson fits that bill.