Thoughts and standouts for the Blackhawks prospect at showcase

It might have only been two games, but the Chicago Blackhawks showing at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase provided an opportunity for the Hawks. An opportunity to see how some of the organization’s top prospects look.

A showcase like this brings together a variety of players in different situations. For a guy like AJ Spellacy, the prospect showcase was an introduction. After getting drafted a few months prior, this was his first chance to introduce himself to the organization. On the flip side for a guys like Colton Dach or Ethan Del Mastro, the prospect showcase was a spot to check in after another season. Both Dach and Del Mastro are 21 years old and were drafted in 2021. This is not their first time at the showcase.

Dach is heading into training camp itching to prove he can play in the NHL. While he did bring energy and physicality to the game, he didn’t have that many standout moments. Del Mastro played in two games with the Hawks last season. During CHN’s year in review notes on Del Mastro this May, former CHN editor Nate Brown indicated Del Mastro may be ready for the biggest test yet in the NHL, but after the offseason the Hawks had, that path to the NHL might be cloudier.

When free agency kicked off on July 1, the Hawks added some big names to the organization. Guys like Alec Martinez and TJ Brodie, who were both signed this offseason, may complicate Del Mastro’s spot in the NHL, not to mention the addition of Artyom Levshunov at the draft. Del Mastro had some moments at the showcase, but there were some rough spots. Late in the game against the Blues in OT, Del Mastro gave the puck up in the offensive zone only to later lose the puck while on a breakaway in the offensive zone.

Frank Nazar, the Blackhawks top prospect at the showcase after Levshunov missed due to injury, had some good moments as well. Nazar looked a step above a lot of the prospects on the ice and definitely set himself up to enter training camp chasing a roster spot. There was no way he could really earn a spot in the NHL at the showcase, but he didn’t hurt his chances either.

Martin Misiak also deserves a mention. His pass on Nazar’s goal against the Wild was the highlight of the night.

Amazing pass by Martin Misiak to set up a Frank Nazar goal!

pic.twitter.com/RHmTAQDLnC

— Chicago Hockey Now (@chihockeynow) September 15, 2024

AJ Spellacy definitely made a name for himself this last week. The combination of his speed and offensive skill paired with his physicality made for an electric showing in St. Louis. He will definitely be someone to keep an eye on throughout the 2024-25 NHL Season. Spellacy will return to the OHL to play with the Windsor Spitfires. Last season he registered 21 goals and 38 points in 67 games.

It is a shame Levshunov missed the showcase with an injury. In all, the Hawks blue line looked a bit out of sorts during the two games. It would have been interesting to see how Levshunov would have impacted things. The Blackhawks start training camp this week!