Chicago Blackhawks officially kick 25-year old goaltender to the curb and have released him from the team

It was announced yesterday that the Chicago Blackhawks had signed 25-year-old goalie Nicholas Grabko to a PTO with the organization.

Before joining the organization, he played college hockey with Alaska-Fairbanks University and Bentley University.

His record wasn't so great, but when you have the resources to develop goalies, a record of 5-11-4, 2.74 GAA, and a .899 save percentage should be easy to improve, right?

Well, apparently not, as the 25-year-old was released from his PTO by the Blackhawks organization and GM Kyle Davidson today.

Grabko will have to find another organization to forge his path into the NHL, as for now it's been blocked with the Blackhawks.

The 25-year-old has only seen limited utilization in minor-league hockey, playing two games for the ECHL's Toledo Walleye and Idaho Steelheads.

It appears he may not be the puzzle piece missing for the Blackhawks organization who look to be tending to the goalie pipeline for the future.

Given the current youth movement, which is in an uptick in Chicago, the PTO was announced the same day the Blackhawks recalled prospect Drew Commesso from the Rockford IceHogs again.

For now, Grabko wasn't the guy for the job, as the 6-foot, 187lb goalie will have to keep digging to find a new home. The door to the Windy City is shut.

Will we see Drew Commesso suit up for the Blackhawks again soon?