The Chicago Blackhawks have completed their final offseason task just before training camp begins. According to a team announcement, the Blackhawks signed defenseman Ethan Del Mastro to a two-year, $1.9MM ($950K AAV) contract.
Given his spot on the organizational depth chart, it’s somewhat surprising that it took this long for Del Mastro to sign. However, there’s no guarantee he’ll earn a spot on the opening night roster.
The Blackhawks may have given Del Mastro an extra year to discourage other teams from claiming him off waivers if he doesn’t make the roster.
Chicago selected Del Mastro with the 105th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. He enjoyed a solid Major Junior career with the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads and Sarnia Sting before joining the professional ranks in the 2023-24 season.
In his first professional season, Del Mastro excelled with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. He finished his rookie season with seven goals and 37 points in 69 games with a +14 rating, adding another goal and one assist in four postseason contests.
Additionally, the Blackhawks recalled him for his NHL debut later in the season. He went scoreless in both contests.
Del Mastro earned a longer leash in the NHL the following season. Unfortunately, he failed to take any meaningful step forward, finishing with two goals and six points in 24 games with Chicago while averaging 18:19 of ice time per game.
This past season, Del Mastro recorded only one assist in 19 contests.