The Chicago Blackhawks have just revealed the reasoning behind their latest move involving a top prospect
Photo credit: Bleacher Nation Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks made a big announcement on Friday involving one of their top defensive prospects being demoted to the AHL, and they have now revealed their reasonining behind the head-scratching move.
Blackhawks fans were caught a bit off guard following a surprise roster move completed by general manager Kyle Davidson on Friday.
Despite just two games left in the teams season, they decided to send a defenseman down to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
This came after a dominant 5-2 win against the Boston Bruins, which drew more concern as to why he was sent down.
According to Chicago Blackhawks team reporter Scott Powers of The Athletic, Ethan Del Mastro was sent down at the cost of an aging veterans retirement.
861-game NHL veteran and 37-year old defenseman Alec Martinez' name has been swirling around in retirement rumors, and the aging player has yet to be inserted into the Blackhawks lineup since March 22nd against the St. Louis Blues.
Sending down Ethan Del Mastro now clears a spot for Martinez to get back into action, in what is expected to be his final games of his creer.
"The Blackhawks have been pleased with defenseman Ethan Del Mastro's development this season. He's put himself in the mix for an NHL roster spot next season.
Their decision to send him down to Rockford on Friday was likely more about getting him back with the IceHogs for their final push. The Blackhawks have more than enough defensemen on their roster and they'll want to allow Alec Martinez to play again, too."
Powers wroteTheir decision to send him down to Rockford on Friday was likely more about getting him back with the IceHogs for their final push. The Blackhawks have more than enough defensemen on their roster and they'll want to allow Alec Martinez to play again, too."
While a young defenseman's development at the NHL level is crucial, it appears to be on hold momentarily as Martinez is likely hanging up the skates.
As Powers notes, Del Mastro is in the mix for a permanent roster spot next season, and missing two games will not be a deal breaker for the coaching staff, as they've already gotten a good look at the gritty defenseman.
Previously on HawksInsider
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AVRIL 13 | 1237 ANSWERS The Chicago Blackhawks have just revealed the reasoning behind their latest move involving a top prospect Do you think Chicago Blackhawks prospect Ethan Del Mastro will make the opening night roster next season? | ||
| Yes | 857 | 69.3 % |
| No | 380 | 30.7 % |
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