FanSided

This Super Fast Prospect Might Help The Chicago Blackhawks Win Someday

By Ethan Gawronski |
Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp
Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Camp / Michael Reaves/GettyImages
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With every rebuild comes fans looking ahead to what their favorite team could be in the future and who could be a part of the turnaround. As the Chicago Blackhawks push forward in their own rebuilding process, the opportunity for young players to step in and make a name for themselves in the NHL will present itself sooner rather than later. Ryder Rolston is one of many Blackhawks prospects playing in their debut professional season with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL), alongside others such as Colton Dach, Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, Drew Commesso, Jaylen Luypen and Marcel Marcel. Let's take a look at Rolston's season and where he could fit into the Blackhawks future plans.

Rolston's signing rights were acquired by the Blackhawks at the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline alongside Josh Dickinson in a move which sent Carl Söderberg (remember him?) to the Colorado Avalanche. After being selected in the fifth round (139th overall) by Colorado in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Rolston spent the next three seasons playing for Notre Dame (NCAA), tallying 18 goals and 53 points in 93 NCAA games.

Rolston might not be the most popular name amongst the Blackhawks prospect pool, but his raw skillset makes him an intriguing player to watch as he looks to break into the NHL. The 6'1 forward brings much welcomed size and blistering speed to the farm system. He is one of the fastest prospects the Blackhawks have and compliments that with strong shooting ability. If any fans have the chance to see the IceHogs play this season, watch Rolston for a shift and see just how impressive his speed is.

What's next for Rolston?

Ryder Rolston's debut season in Rockford (AHL) currently has him sitting at nine goals and 15 points in 44 games. While the scoring has not been on par with his previous two college seasons, the IceHogs collectively have not been very potent offensively tallying only 125 goals which is 28th in the AHL. However, Rolston has earned ice time on both special teams units, with four of his goals coming on the powerplay.

Maybe scoring will go up for Rockford with Lukas Reichel trying to find himself there.

Rolston most likely will spend another season in Rockford before making the jump to the NHL. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has been very open about being patient with the development process to ensure players are not rushed into situations they are not ready for in the NHL. Rolston's combination of size and speed has shown promise throughout his first season, making it entirely possible he gets his first call-up at some point next season. There also will be a lot of young players debuting in Rockford next season which should help to boost the offense, players such as Gavin Hayes, Paul Ludwinski and Samuel Savoie come to mind.

With more talent coming for the IceHogs next season, keeping Rolston in the AHL could be the best path forward for his development. His work ethic, speed and shot give him the tools to further his game at the professional level. Rolston's experience playing on the special teams units in Rockford could bode well for him in the future when trying to make the jump to the NHL. He's a versatile player with the potential of carving out a bottom six role in the NHL.

Rolston's projects as being a bottom six forward and special teams regular on an NHL roster. The most consistent trait amongst the Blackhawks prospects is speed and Rolston has plenty of it. Spending another season in Rockford should help to round out his game before pushing for a full-time spot on the Blackhawks roster. He has the traits to be a solid presence on the penalty kill with the possibility of also being on a secondary powerplay unit. Rolston's probable NHL projection should be the 2025-26 season.

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