GM Kyle Davidson Shakesup the Lineup by Sending Del Mastro to Rockford

According to NHL Insider Ben Pope, the Chicago Blackhawks have sent defenseman Ethan Del Mastro to the AHL.

The move occurred as the Four Nations Face-Off is set to take place. Del Mastro had earned a call-up as the Blackhawks are currently struggling with multiple injuries, with Louis Crevier out of the lineup.

Del Mastro had played 38 games in the AHL with the IceHogs before his call-up to the big leagues for the Hawks.

He'd score 8 points (all assists) and would play only 6 games with the Blackhawks this season before being sent back to the minors.

He'd lend one assist for the Hawks. Del Mastro has never been pegged as an offensive defenseman but as a bottom-pairing shutdown d-man.

His scouting report suggested his offensive potential has been untapped. That rings true given how we've seen him play in the AHL.

He's a bruising, big-body defenseman who can skate, pinch on the rush, and isn't afraid of getting dirty on the boards or laying the body.

Although it appears to be a reactionary move by GM Kyle Davidson, the team needs him to develop his game further.

This means more playing time in the AHL, which he will get over the next eight days, while the best-on-best Four Nations Face-Off tournament takes place from February 12th to the 20th.

Del Mastro is in year two, of his three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, and makes $855K AAV.

When he becomes a fully developed defenseman he can become a part of the Blackhawks youth movement, which will could become playoff contenders once they gel as a team.

All call-ups this season have punched above their weight, including Frank Nazar and Colton Dach.

This season in six games with the Blackhawks he's scored 1 point (1A), 2 shots on goal, had two PIMs, had 15:16 TOI, and had a 52.0 CF%.

When the NHL returns to competition after the Four Nations Face-Off we hope to see Del Mastro back on the Blackhawks ice once more.