Young Blackhawks Defensemen Eager to Prove Themselves

Injuries open door for Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski to audition for bigger roles next season

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and crimson red, conveying the fractured nature of the Blackhawks' season and the opportunity for their young defensemen.The late-season auditions for young Blackhawks defensemen aim to uncover their potential amid the team's rebuilding efforts.Chicago Today

With injuries sidelining several Chicago Blackhawks defensemen, young prospects Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski have been given an opportunity to showcase their skills and earn more playing time. The 23-year-old Del Mastro and 21-year-old Korchinski, both recent draft picks, are eager to make the most of this chance as the Blackhawks' season winds down.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks are in a rebuilding phase, and these late-season auditions allow Del Mastro and Korchinski to prove they deserve bigger roles next year. Their development is crucial as the team looks to the future, and strong performances could help solidify their spots on the NHL roster.

The details

Del Mastro was recalled from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs on March 3, while Korchinski was elevated to the NHL roster on Sunday. With veteran Matthew Grzelcyk and 2024 second-round pick Artyom Levshunov out for the season, the young defensemen have been skating on the Blackhawks' third pairing. Coach Jeff Blashill is using this time to evaluate how they handle the NHL game, with both players hoping to put up better numbers and earn more trust from the coaching staff.

  • Del Mastro was recalled from the AHL on March 3.
  • Korchinski was elevated to the NHL roster on Sunday.

The players

Ethan Del Mastro

A 23-year-old defenseman who was recalled from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs on March 3 to audition for a bigger role with the Blackhawks next season.

Kevin Korchinski

A 21-year-old defenseman who was elevated to the NHL roster on Sunday, getting a chance to prove himself at the highest level after being the Blackhawks' 7th overall pick in the 2022 draft.

Jeff Blashill

The head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, who is using the late-season injuries to evaluate Del Mastro and Korchinski and see how they handle the NHL game.

Matthew Grzelcyk

A veteran defenseman for the Blackhawks who is out for the season due to injury, opening up opportunities for the young blueliners.

Artyom Levshunov

A 2024 second-round draft pick of the Blackhawks who is also out for the season, further clearing the way for Del Mastro and Korchinski to get NHL minutes.

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What they’re saying

“It sucks, Grzelcyk has been awesome, unbelievable teammate, unbelievable leader in a quiet way but the leadership he provided for us, it sucks he can't play and continue to showcase his ability.”

— Jeff Blashill, Head Coach, Chicago Blackhawks

“I think he's understanding more what my game is and the type of player I am. It's nice for me to be able to display the kind of player I am and my game and continue to try to earn their trust and earn the ability to be put out there more and more. I feel like I'm doing a good job of that so far.”

— Ethan Del Mastro, Defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks

“Playing a different role, trying to get asked to play different styles in different scenarios and just being able to be more versatile … whatever they want me to do to help the team win, that's what I'm trying to do. It's always a privilege getting called up and getting (the) opportunity.”

— Kevin Korchinski, Defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks

What’s next

With just six games remaining in the Blackhawks' season, Del Mastro and Korchinski will have a limited window to continue impressing the coaching staff and solidifying their roles for next year.

The takeaway

The late-season injuries to veteran Blackhawks defensemen have opened the door for young prospects Ethan Del Mastro and Kevin Korchinski to audition for bigger roles next season. Their strong performances over the final stretch could go a long way in determining their futures with the rebuilding franchise.