Blackhawks Extend Commesso; Gets Bigger Opportunity For Net – The Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

Commesso Gets Opportunity To Make Blackhawks

Commesso has been with the Rockford IceHogs for the past three seasons, carrying a .906 SV% (Save percentage) and a 2.75 GAA (Goals-against average) in that time span. He has shown signs that he is ready for NHL action. He made his NHL debut in 2024, but last season was very encouraging, as he was originally called up in January when an illness hit the Blackhawks’ locker room. In the most fun fashion, earning his first NHL shutout in his third NHL start against the Nashville Predators.

The Blackhawks have always thought highly of Commesso and his potential. With his new deal, he is getting a bigger opportunity to prove himself.

It seemed the Blackhawks goalie group was getting a bit crowded with Spencer Knight as the team’s number one, Arvid Söderblom as the backup, and they also signed Adam Gajan to an entry-level deal in April.

But according to general manager Kyle Davidson, he envisions Commesso fighting for a spot out of training camp, “Yeah, of course. You know, Drew’s someone that’s put in a lot of work, not only before turning pro, but since he’s gotten to pro and played largely in Rockford. And he came up and played well in his couple opportunities here. You know, you go into training camp, and you want to foster competition, and we’re certainly going to do that. And, you know, I’m sure the other goaltenders will embrace that as well, and come in and prove that they’re the ones that should be here to break camp. So, Drew’s part of that conversation, and we’ve got a ton of faith in Drew, both currently and down the road, and so we’re excited to see him come in and try and push for a spot and show that he’s ready for NHL action.”

It’s going to be an important training camp for Commesso, as he has a legitimate chance of fighting for the backup goaltending role. Even though the spot has been Söderblom’s for the past three seasons, it’s not set in stone. And Gajan will be Rockford-bound next season, which gives Commesso a clear path.

If he doesn’t make the Blackhawks out of camp, he will have Rockford, as well. But the significant part about Commesso’s contract is that, even though it is a two-way deal, the second year is a one-way contract, according to PuckPedia.

Again, the opportunity is there for him.

Commesso’s Impression on Blackhawks

Head coach Jeff Blashill said about Commesso in March, about how he has handled starting for the Blackhawks in more emergency situations, “Very well… Drew’s demeanor is very good. I thought, coming out of camp, I thought we definitely had a number of good goalies in camp, and obviously Sodie and Knighter played very well for us. But certainly fully confident in Drew coming in and playing well. He’s got a good demeanor to him. You know, the last two… obviously, his starts have been really good. But he’s just got a good demeanor to him, so certainly confident when he goes in there.”

He had a 2.31 GAA and a .918 SV% in three NHL games last season.

The goaltending competition will be one to watch. Commesso has never veered off their radar, and he stays ready.

Commesso shared after his shutout in January, “It’s everything. Yeah, I’m so blessed, and I’m so thankful to God just for putting me in this situation, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Him. And I think a big thing has just been my Faith and always staying even keel, you know, when things aren’t going well and when things are going well, is just always be grateful and thankful for Him. And yeah, I think something I learned about pro hockey is there’s just a lot out of your control. And I went from, you know, not even playing in the Rockford game on Friday, to starting for the Hawks, back to that game. So you never know. And yeah, it’s just good to lean back on my preparation when I need it.”