Chicago's defense is packed, and Wyatt Kaiser remains unsigned as camp nears. Kaiser and a fit with Connor Allen could form a sturdy third pair if Chicago sorts out nine to ten viable NHL defensemen on the roster. A wave of young blueliners—Del Mastro among them—has the organization eyeing movement to balance role and ice time, making this a true numbers game for the Blackhawks.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are shaping their camp approach with a crowded one-way contract situation, and the chatter around Jack Roslovic adds another layer to their roster shuffle. On the West, Luke Hughes looms as a key pressure point for New Jersey, while Auston Matthews primes to regain form after health trips. Mitch Marner’s 70-goal ceiling lingers as a fantasy anchor in Toronto, even as moves ripple through the lineup.

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed veteran forward Craig Smith on injured reserve due to a recurring back injury. Smith has not played since January 8, when he logged around 10 minutes in a victory against Colorado. This injury marks another setback for the 35-year-old, who also missed time earlier in the season with a back issue. In his first season with the Blackhawks, Smith has contributed six goals and five assists over 30 games.

In response to the roster change, the Blackhawks have recalled Ethan Del Mastro from their AHL affiliate in Rockford, while sending defenseman Wyatt Kaiser back to the AHL. Del Mastro, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft, made his NHL debut last April.

Under interim coach Anders Sorensen, the Blackhawks have a record of 7-12-2. They are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. Additionally, the team has signed forward AJ Spellacy to a three-year contract that extends through the 2026-27 season, following a strong performance in training camp and a productive season in the OHL.

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed veteran forward Craig Smith on injured reserve due to a persistent back injury. Smith, who has not played since January 8, has contributed six goals and five assists in 30 games during his first season with Chicago. Previously, he was on IR from December 20 to 31 because of the same injury. In his absence, the Blackhawks recalled Ethan Del Mastro from Rockford, while defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was assigned to their AHL affiliate. Del Mastro, a fourth-round draft pick in 2021, previously made his NHL debut last April.

Under interim coach Anders Sorensen, the Blackhawks have struggled, recording a 7-12-2 record. They are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. Additionally, the Blackhawks announced a three-year contract with forward AJ Spellacy, which carries a nearly $1 million salary cap hit. The 18-year-old impressed during training camp after being drafted in the third round last year and has tallied 11 goals and 14 assists in 40 games with Windsor of the OHL this season.