Ethan Del Mastro: Hawks' Young Defense Core

0:00It's April 7th. Welcome to NHL News today, AI-powered coverage of your squad. I'm Cory with the story. Chicago Black Hawk's got four games left this season, already out of the playoffs, but their focus stays on building the future, especially that young, defense core. Six out of seven defensemen are 24 younger, and right now, all eyes on 23-year-old Ethan Dale Mastro, trapped it back in 20. 21. Mastro spent most of the year dominating as a top pair guy with the Rockford ice hogs in the AHL, notching 18 points and a plus one rating. Over 45 games. Up top with the Hawks, he's played just 16 games this year after 24 last, bouncing between leaves with some tough stretches like being. A healthy scratch for 10 straight in December. Injuries open the door for him, recalled March 3rd with guys like Grizzlyk and Lev Shunov, sideline for the year. He's been pairing mainly with Kevin Kurchinsky, or Krevier lately, including five straight with Kurchinsky. Their stats look solid for rookies, high danger chances, 6-4 and 7 against, scoring chances

1:0518 to 24, goals 1-1. Coach Jeff Blasho calls him a gamer, who plays fearless, not afraid of mistakes, and sees him as a long-term piece with real defensive bite and physicality to balance offensive talents. Del Masro himself says the rollercoaster built his comfort, especially getting consistent ice time down the stretch. With the blue mind staying competitive until next year, Del Masro's restrictive free agency this summer gives him a shot to lock in those reps, and prove he's here to stay.