The Chicago Blackhawks assigned defenseman Ethan Del Mastro to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL on Friday morning, following the team’s two-game road trip to start the 2025-26 season.
Del Mastro, 22, was somewhat surprisingly named to the Blackhawks’ opening-night roster after struggling throughout the preseason. Nolan Allan appeared to be the favorite to lock up the third-pairing LHD spot, but he was sent down to the AHL ahead of the season opener on Tuesday.
With Alex Vlasic unable to play against the Florida Panthers, Chicago inserted Del Mastro into its lineup at Amerant Bank Arena, and EDM wasn’t able to break out of his recent slump in the 3-2 loss. The 2021 fourth-round pick was on the ice for the game-winning goal, and the Panthers led 6-1 in high-danger chances at even strength in his 17:35 of ice time.
With Vlasic back for Thursday’s contest in Boston, Del Mastro was healthy scratched, even with head coach Jeff Blashill deciding to play an 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup.
Considering that Matt Grzelcyk was given a contract out of training camp and has played in both of the Blackhawks’ two games thus far, there doesn’t seem to be a consistent spot in the lineup for Del Mastro moving forward. With only two years of pro experience under his belt, EDM is best suited to return to Rockford right now, where he’ll play a major role in all situations. That makes much more sense than keeping him on the NHL roster and the seventh or eighth defenseman. The Blackhawks organization wants their young prospects to play consistently, and Del Mastro can do so with the IceHogs.
Del Mastro will join Kevin Korchinski and Allan on the IceHogs’ blue line to start the AHL campaign. Rockford kicks off the new season against the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Center on Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
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