Blackhawks Daily: Roster Cuts, NHL Documentary

The Chicago Blackhawks sent a handful of players to Rockford yesterday morning, bringing the team’s roster down to 35 players – 19 forwards, 11 defensemen and 5 goaltenders.

Forwards Landon Slaggert, Colton Dach, Cole Guttman, Ryder Rolsten and Samuel Savoie and defenseman Ethan Del Mastro all were sent to Chicago’s AHL affiliate in Rockford.

The Blackhawks still have plenty of more roster cuts to make before the season begins. The cuts Chicago made yesterday all feature players that should have a prominent role in Rockford this season. Ethan Del Mastro was a top pairing defenseman last season with the IceHogs and Colton Dach has been playing with an extra bit of energy throughout training camp.

Friday, Oct. 4 will be a big day in the NHL, and not just because the Blackhawks will play the Wild in their second to last preseason game. No, Friday will launch the a new documentary on the NHL by Prime Video. FACEOFF: Inside The NHL is set to feature insight from key players in the league.

Boston Bruins teammates David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman; Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog; Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and forwards Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman; Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk; Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg; New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander; Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes; and Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel, are all set to be featured in the documentary.

Filming crews were embedded with each player and their families and friends to capture their journey through the postseason, including the Oilers’ and Panthers’ 2024 Stanley Cup Final run.

Episode Breakdown:

EPISODE 1: Best of Rivals featuring William Nylander and David Pastrnak

EPISODE 2: As Tough As It Gets featuring Jack Eichel and Filip Forsberg

EPISODE 3: Learning to Win featuring Jeremy Swayman and Matthew Tkachuk

EPISODE 4: The Captains featuring Quinn Hughes, Gabriel Landeskog and Jacob Trouba

EPISODE 5: Cup or Bust Part I featuring Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman

EPISODE 6: Cup or Bust Part II featuring Connor McDavid and Matthew Tkachuk

Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed

• The Blackhawks could benefit this season from a healthy Taylor Hall.
• Kirill Kaprizov will be a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 NHL Season, he could be a great player to target for the Blackhawks.
• If you missed the first three games of the preseason, here is what you missed:
  • Blackhawks fall 4-2 to Red Wings, lose special teams battle
  • Blackhawks shut out by Red Wings 2-0
  • Blackhawks give up three unanswered – lose 3-2 in OT to Blues

From Around The Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins went big with a win against the Ottawa Senators at home on Sunday.

San Jose Hockey Now: Three sleeper prospects who could start the season with the San Jose Sharks. (SJHN+)

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins made a handful of roster cuts on Sunday. Like the Blackhawks with plenty of prospects battling to finally make the NHL roster – the Bruins sent a few top prospects back to the AHL.