Chicago Blackhawks may be forced to trade goaltender as he believes he's NHL ready
Photo credit: NHL.com
It appears that a trade could take shape with Chicago Blackhawks prospect Drew Commesso, who has played 87 games with the IceHogs, and is believed to be NHL-ready, as he could be the next player traded by Kyle Davidson.
The Blackhawks signed goalies Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom to an extension this offseason.
That move left prospect Drew Commesso feeling alienated, after working hard this past 2024-25 season, leaving him to believe he's NHL-ready. With his path to the NHL blocked by both Soderblom and Knight, could he force a trade?
There would be teams who would love to stock their pipeline with a goalie who produced a .930 save percentage in the last 22 games in the AHL.
He's spent the last two seasons in Rockford, maturing his game. Commesso has had no significant chance in the NHL to prove himself capable of handling a backup role in the league, other than being recalled in November and playing one game in December.
«I feel like I'm NHL-ready,» Commesso said Thursday. «That's where I feel like my game is right now. I've put in a lot of work, and I feel confident in practice. I'm excited to get into games. I feel ready right now.»
With No Goaltender Competition In Chicago, Where Does Drew Commesso Stand
The career AHL goalie has spent 87 games in the minor league with a .911 save percentage.
Commesso's entry-level contract does expire after this season, which could give him some of the urgency behind his latest statements.
But we know NHL goalies take some time to develop, and Commesso has no set timeline for him to be the kind of goalie the Blackhawks need.
Jeff Blashill has a message for him, and his NHL hopes:
«It's a hard league, and those guys have both played well,» coach Jeff Blashill said Friday. «My biggest message [to Drew] is, 'You have to make sure you're ready to jump through that window of opportunity.'
His patience is currently being tested, and the only leverage he'll have is as a restricted free agent after his contract expires, where he could force a trade.
Though what will the Blackhawks' goalie rotation look like by then?
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