From Gold Medal to AHL All-Star: Ethan Del Mastro Could Be a Big Part of the Blackhawks' Rebuild

In recent years, the Chicago Blackhawks have added a plethora of big left-handed defensemen to their prospect pool. This was largely orchestrated by the previous regime under Stan Bowman, who selected twelve defensemen during his last four drafts with the Blackhawks (2018-2021). The abundance of defensemen in Chicago's pipeline has lead to General Manager Kyle Davidson putting more focus on drafting forwards, with only three blue-liners selected over his two drafts (Kevin Korchinski, Sam Rinzel, Janne Peltonen). Ethan Del Mastro is one prospect who has been a very high riser in the Blackhawks' system throughout his final junior seasons (OHL) and especially during his debut season with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL).

Del Mastro was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft (105th overall) by the Blackhawks. Like many recent prospects, Del Mastro's draft eligible season saw him not play a single game in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His skating, defensive abilities and size made him an intriguing prospect already from the previous season. It can be argued that Del Mastro's stock would have been much higher had he been able to play during the 2020-21 season.

Nonetheless, the Blackhawks took a chance on the Del Mastro being a potential shutdown defender for the club in the future. His 6'4 205lbs frame added even more size to the Blackhawks system which had already included Alex Vlasic, Nolan Allan and Taige Harding. However, Ethan Del Mastro quickly began to shed his "defensive defenseman" label once he took the ice again in the 2021-22 season. In his final two OHL seasons, Del Mastro tallied 107 points in 120 games, leading to appearances on back to back gold medal winning Team Canada rosters at the World Junior Championships.

What is Del Mastro's NHL Timeline?

Ethan Del Mastro looks like a possible steal as a mid-round pick given how he's progressed since his draft year that never came to be. After being a major piece in the Sarnia Sting's (OHL) playoff run in 2023, to being a reliable defender for Team Canada and now playing top minutes as an AHL All-Star, Del Mastro has been up to every task he's been given. But how soon can Blackhawks fans see him in a red sweater at the United Center?

The Rockford IceHogs are currently riding a three game winning streak as they make a push for the AHL playoffs, so it is unlikely Del Mastro will receive his first call-up this season. But the chance of him getting his first games next season looks increasingly possible. Playing as poised as he does at the professional level so early on is a great sign for Del Mastro's ability to adapt to a faster and heavier game. The Blackhawks new regime also likes to take their time with developing young defenseman by allowing them to play important roles in Rockford before making the jump to the NHL, Alex Vlasic was given this treatment last year and this year is Wyatt Kaiser and Ethan Del Mastro's turn.

Del Mastro feels like he could make the jump to being NHL-ready by training camp next year, but likely will play another season in Rockford while periodically being called up to the Blackhawks. There is going to be more talent on the IceHogs roster next season and having another year playing top-pair can help to refine Del Mastro's game so he is truly ready for that next step when the time comes.

Ethan Del Mastro's NHL potential could be that of a solid second-pair defenseman and top penalty killer. His poise, skating and well-rounded game mixed in with his ability to play both sides gives him a fighting chance of playing valuable minutes in the NHL. Initially his ceiling would have been a third-pair defenseman, but his rising to every occasion might give him that much more of a chance at being on a second-pair. There are not many prospects like Del Mastro in the Blackhawks system, but they surely will be patient with his development to allow him to reach his potential.