The Blackhawks made a few roster moves on Thursday that were both exciting and interesting. First, let’s talk about the signing of forward prospect AJ Spellacy to his three-year, entry-level contract. Spellacy got everyone’s attention during the prospect camp and then NHL training camp and preseason games. He’s a big boy who can absolutely fly and has no fear of throwing the body. He’s played both center and the wing in the OHL for Windsor this season. This is extremely exciting because he looked like a guy who could have played in an NHL game or two to start the regular season. Now, he’s under contract. Great news!
- With the Spellacy deal done, the Blackhawks now have 42 contracts on their books. They have a max of 50. Obviously there are some guys, including Spellacy and Marek Vanacker, who will have to go back to junior next season if they aren’t in the NHL full-time because of their ages. But that doesn’t change the 50 contract limit.
- Keep in mind the Blackhawks will likely sign at least Oliver Moore, Sam Rinzel and Ryan Greene out of the college ranks when their seasons end. There’s a strong chance they also sign forwards Dominic James and Aidan Thompson and defenseman Taige Harding as well. Because of their ages, Thompson and Harding would be two-year deals; the rest would be three. That’s six more contracts, putting the Blackhawks at 48.
- The Blackhawks also recalled defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from Rockford on Thursday. Craig Smith was placed on IR to make room for Del Mastro. I noted this in my news piece on the move yesterday, but the Blackhawks had eight healthy defenseman on the NHL roster (and Connor Murphy on IR). Wyatt Kaiser and Nolan Allan had been alternating in the press box. The Blackhawks assigned Kaiser to Rockford on Thursday afternoon, but that’s still one body too many for the defense group. So keep an eye on that situation (cough, trade rumors, cough). One of those players of note comes up below… Here’s Del Mastro after practice (video from CHGO):
Ethan Del Mastro on his initial reaction to getting recalled #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/h162PzJh0R
— CHGO Blackhawks (@CHGO_Blackhawks) January 23, 2025
- A few interesting notes from Scott Powers’ latest version of “What I’m hearing about the Blackhawks” on Thursday:
- Powers reports Alec Martinez isn’t likely to ask for a trade (despite being here on a one-year deal).
- It’s unlikely the Blackhawks re-sign Ryan Donato. If that is indeed the case, expect him to be a valuable trade asset.
- “The expectation is for at least Moore, Rinzel and Greene to join the NHL team when their college seasons end.”
- When the Blackhawks send out season ticket renewals in the coming weeks, Powers reports that to include “the first details of the organizationโs plans for the 2025-26 centennial season.” How about a jersey retirement (and number change for Colton Dach)?
- Powers also includes some good thoughts on the Blackhawks hiring Chris OโHearn as vice president of hockey operations.
- Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has reportedly been at the last two Colorado Avalanche games. Take that for what you will…
- Someone pointed out Andreas Athanasiou being mentioned somewhere as a potential Blackhawks trade candidate. If GMKD can get something for a veteran who has played one game since returning from a long-term injury — in the AHL — then he might not have to apply for an extension. I can’t fathom a team taking a chance on Double-A when you consider his cap hit and injury issues.
- Powers also shared a good piece breaking down what’s been working for Frank Nazar since he was recalled. I’ve spoken with Nazar a number of times since he came back up and his perspective is incredibly mature for a 21-year-old who’s just cracking into the NHL. This quote is what I’m talking about:
โIโve said this before, but itโs a learning curve at every level you move up to,โ Nazar said. โWhen I moved up from travel to NTDP, it was like, learning curving. I came in, I was the 13th forward. By the end of it, I was doing really well. Going to Michigan, first season wasnโt very good, learning curve. Came back second year, felt good, confidence a lot better, started making plays. Same thing, come here, learning curve. Itโs always going to be that.”
- What Alexander Ovechkin is doing is really remarkable. He broke his leg… and it didn’t seem to matter. He came back sooner than expected and it was like he missed a morning skate because of some bad sushi.
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- The Bears have a new head coach, which means some assistants will not return.
- The posting window for Japanese lefty Shinnosuke Ogasawara closes today.
- The NBA announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game. No Bulls were included.