Bedard is back in lineup, as are linemates Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato. Top goalie prospect Drew Commesso among those assigned to AHL Rockford or returned to junior clubs.
Connor Bedard will skate again for the Blackhawks on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. And Chicago's lineup is close to what coach Luke Richardson might use to start the regular season.
The Blackhawks roster is less cluttered. Top goalie prospect Drew Commesso was among the players Chicago assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL on Monday.
Drew Commesso with Boston University in the NCAA Frozen Four last spring.The 21-year-old Commesso was solid in two preseason games, allowing just two goals in two over 60:57 for a 1.97 goals-against average. But he's fresh out of college hockey at Boston University after signing his first pro contract. The plan is for the hard-working and focused native of Boston's South Shore to hone his mechanics and improve his strength in 2023-24 over a long AHL season.
Petr Mrazek and Arvid Söderblom are pencilled in as the Blackhawks goalies to start this year.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pounds Commesso follows a training regimen that includes getting up at 5:30 a.m. and incorporates concepts from Tampa Bay star netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy. It seems only a matter of time before Commesso, drafted in in the second round and 46th overall in 2020, becomes a regular in nets in Chicago.
Rolston, Del Mastro, Crevier also sent down
Forward Ryder Rolston and defensemen Ethan Del Mastro, Louis Crevier and Filip Roos also were sent to Rockford. Forwards Gavin Hayes and Paul Ludwinski, both 19 years old, have been returned to their junior clubs in the Ontario Hockey League (Flint Firebirds and Kingston Frontenacs).
Rolston is the son of longtime NHL forward Brian Rolston and even looks like his dad. Like Commesso, he was a college player the last three seasons (at Notre Dame) and should grow as a minor pro.
After three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, the 6-foot-4, 20-year-old Del Mastro also needs to play against pros, not junior players, to take the next step.
After clearing waivers, forwards David Gust, Mike Hardman and Brett Seney also were assigned to Rockford on Monday.
Heading into Tuesday, the Blackhawks training camp roster has 31 players, including 20 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders.