![\"Ethan](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ethan-Del-Mastro-Blackhawks-1200x840.jpg\")
Ethan Del Mastro, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Melissa Tamez\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
While not counted on for his offensive talent, Del Mastro is a shutdown defenseman who can eat minutes and is projected to be a second-pair player by Dobbers Prospects<\/a>. <\/p>\n A big-bodied two-way defenseman who can eat up a lot of minutes. He has been trusted to be placed in big game moments where he can shut down the opposing team\u2019s offence. He has a great hockey IQ and the capabilities of being a second-pairing NHL defenseman.<\/p>\n Del Mastro\u2019s three-year, $855K average entry-level contract has just expired, and if <\/a>the Blackhawks extend him a qualifying offer<\/a>, he could hit free agency.<\/p>\n The Athletic\u2018s Scott Powers believes that the pending restricted free agent (RFA) is the odd man out in the organization.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be interesting to see what Davidson does here. I do think Del Mastro is likely the odd man out to start the season,\u201d (from \u2018The Blackhawks have tough decisions ahead on Kevin Korchinski and their young defense,\u2019 The Athletic, 06\/01\/2026).<\/p>\n Del Mastro has played a total of 45 games in the NHL<\/a>, recording seven points (two goals, five assists), a minus-14, 24 penalty minutes, an average ice time of 16:33, and a 46.6 Corsi-for percentage. The 23-year-old defenseman is still a work in progress<\/a> and could require more seasoning with the Providence Bruins.<\/p>\n Ville Heinola, Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n Ville Heinola<\/a> may be a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), but he is a gold-medal winner. He\u2019s part of the Finnish team that overcame the odds to defeat the Swiss team in their home country to win the World Championship. In ten games, he recorded six points (three goals, three assists), a plus-9, and one game-winning goal.<\/p>\n Heinola may not have caught the eyes of NHL general managers until after this tournament, as he\u2019s been buried in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manitoba Moose for the majority of his career.<\/p>\n Selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft, he\u2019s played only 58 games during his NHL career, recording 12 points. Heinola brings some skills to the Bruins that are sorely needed in a top-four option per Dobbers Prospects<\/a>.<\/p>\n An undersized offense-minded defenseman with top-four upside who can run a powerplay unit. An excellent skater, but needs to get stronger to improve in the defensive zone.<\/p>\n The Finnish defenseman\u2019s two-year, $800K average annual value (AAV) contract<\/a> expires at the end of the year, as a pending UFA (group six). A group-six UFA<\/a> has to meet certain criteria to be classified as such.<\/p>\n Conclusion: The Solutions Are Out There<\/p>\n As the most cost-effective option, making a move for other teams\u2019 unwanted prospects would save cap space, headaches, and the consideration of moving out other top talent. They\u2019re not yet in reclamation territory. Not to mention, this is a low-risk, high-reward situation should they become future NHLers. General manager Don Sweeney only needs to make the effort now.<\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get Boston Bruins coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n