The Chicago Blackhawks’ season has begun how many expected. Sitting comfortably in the bottom third of the NHL standings, the expectations for their season is similar to the past few: Cheer for development, improvement and lottery luck. With little to be excited for in the NHL, Blackhawks fans should look to the AHL, where the Rockford IceHogs give fans reasons to be excited.
This article will delve into the IceHogs’ early season results, players to follow and how Rockford’s season expectations compare to the Blackhawks.
Players to watch in Rockford
With Kyle Davidson and the top brass in Chicago emphasizing their trust in Rockford’s ability to develop young players, it is no surprise to see many top prospects with the IceHogs. Rockford’s roster consists of three Blackhawks first-round-picks, along with multiple Chicago draft selections over the past few drafts. Here are a few of those players to watch.
Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov carries the puck for the Rockford IceHogs. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Spanola / Rockford IceHogs)
The Blackhawks prospect that garnered the most noise since being drafted second overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Artyom Levshunov may have surprised a few by signing his entry-level contract and joining the IceHogs this season. After missing a few games to start the season recovering from an injury, Levshunov has played a handful of games with Rockford, including a few games pairing with Kevin Korchinski.
The Rink was honored to have the voice of the IceHogs, Dana Grey, join us on a recent Rinkcast to talk more about the team. When asked about Levshunov, Grey described him on the ice as “a beautiful freight train” and that “he motors … not just in a straight line, he’s got a lot of flexibility in his movements.” This description of his play on the ice should give Hawks fans optimism in his ability, and a feeling that he can only get better. Describing him off the ice, Grey said Levshunov “is a super nice guy … clearly trying to learn as much as possible.” Although not something many fans will care about, seeing a young prospect have a professional attitude only adds to the optimism that Levshunov can be the real deal.
Kevin Korchinski
Kevin Korchinski warms up prior to a Rockford IceHogs game. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Spanola / Rockford IceHogs)
After a tough rookie season last year, Korchinski started the 2024–25 season in Rockford, and it already looks to be to his benefit. In seven AHL games this season, Korchinski has played a much more complete game. Starting the season in Rockford has allowed Korchinski to work on his defensive game while giving him the room to be more aggressive with the puck in the offensive zone. When asked about Korchinski, Grey said, “He looks confident in his play … doesn’t seem like there’s a single play he’s afraid to make.”
Already mentioned, Korchinski has been paired with Levshunov in a few games. Korchinski has also been paired with Levshunov on the power play. A power play with two defensemen is a rarity to see in the modern game, so seeing the trust that Rockford has in both of them on special teams should give Blackhawks fans reasons to believe in both of their abilities in the offensive zone.
Frank Nazar
Frank Nazar lines up for a faceoff against the Grand Rapids Griffins. (Photo courtesy of Rashaad Robinson / Rockford IceHogs)
The final former first-round pick in this article, Frank Nazar has come out swinging. Beginning the season as the first-line center in Rockford, Nazar currently leads the IceHogs in goals, assists and points. Currently at a point-per-game rate, Nazar stands to be one of Rockford’s best offensive weapons, being named the team’s October Player of the Month. With how effective Nazar has proven to be, it could be reasonable to see Nazar get another look with the Blackhawks this season, although unlikely, unless Chicago finds itself buried in injuries.
As the season continues, Nazar looks to continue his growth into a complete center. If this is the player that Hawks fans hope becomes the franchise’s second-line center, then early returns should give fans reason to believe.
Samuel Savoie
Samuel Savoie warms up prior to a Rockford IceHogs game. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
A name some fans may be surprised to see, Samuel Savoie is a player who is sneaking under the radar for many fans. On the Rinkcast, when asked about IceHogs players fans are overlooking, Grey named Savoie. A former third-round selection for Chicago, Grey described Savoie as a firecracker and a tenacious player who emphasizes physical play against the opponent.
Not a massive player, Savoie is a problem creator for opposing teams. Perhaps a long shot, some have compared his playing style to Andrew Shaw. After a significant leg injury last season, Savoie has already shown his impact on the ice, and could become a fascinating prospect who fans should keep an eye on.
Drew Commesso
Drew Commesso makes a glove save for the Rockford IceHogs. (Photo courtesy of Kristin Ostrowski / Rockford IceHogs)
Chicago’s top goalie prospect, Drew Commesso looks to be on the brink of an NHL debut. Expected to share the net with Mitchell Weeks (and eventually Arvid Soderblom) in Rockford, Commesso will look to improve in his second professional season, and started the season with a bang by holding the Grand Rapids Griffins to only one goal on opening night.
With goalies having a longer and more difficult development cycle, it is understandable that Hawks fans may have forgotten a little bit about Commesso. Those who have not forgotten are being rewarded with continued improvement in his game. When asked about Commesso, Grey said that he “looked really confident … not a lot of holes in his game.” With this, along with his short call-up to Chicago earlier this season, Commesso is someone more Hawks fans need to follow this season in Rockford.
Other prospects
Colton Dach engages in a scrum against the Grand Rapids Griffins. (Photo courtesy of Rashaad Robinson / Rockford IceHogs)
There are a handful of prospects who also deserve a deep dive; however, this article would become a book if every prospect got a deeper look. Even so, Hawks fans should look at the development and play of prospects like Colton Dach, Ethan Del Mastro, Gavin Hayes, Paul Ludwinski and Landon Slaggert this season.
Veteran leadership
Brett Seney skates with the puck for the Rockford IceHogs. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Holliday / Rockford IceHogs)
With all the prospects needing development in Rockford, the IceHogs have filled out the rest of the roster with established players to lead and stabilize the team for the season. The stability starts with the captain, Brett Seney. A 28-year-old forward, Seney was named captain of the Hogs this season after being re-signed this summer after spending last season with the A on his sweater. With over 300 AHL games in his career, along with 66 career NHL games, Seney will provide experience to the young forward core.
Along with Seney, Rockford brought in veteran defenseman Cavan Fitzgerald to aid the defensive core. At 28 years old, Fitzgerald also brings in over 300 AHL games to Rockford’s lineup. After spending four seasons with an A on his chest for the Chicago Wolves, Fitzgerald was trusted with an A on this IceHogs team, not bad for a player initially brought in on a professional tryout.
Rockford was not done adding veteran players once the season started. On Oct. 28, the IceHogs announced they signed forward Gerry Mayhew. Mayhew, a former AHL MVP, comes in as the oldest player on the roster. After signing, Mayhew was immediately plugged into the top line, playing on Nazar’s wing. Not only is Mayhew expected to provide veteran leadership, but he also brings a scoring touch that gives Rockford more firepower. After flirting with a 40-goal season in 2020–21, Mayhew should light the lamp often for this team.
Season expectations
The IceHogs have made the playoffs each of the last three seasons, making it to the divisional round each time. When asked if Rockford has bigger expectations this season, Grey simply said “certainly.” Even with this team being filled with young prospects, signing a player like Mayhew sends a clear statement. Making it beyond the Divisional Round is a reasonable expectation.
Early returns
The IceHogs season has started slowly. With only seven games played, the fewest played across the entire league, Rockford sits at a record of 3–4–0. Although a losing record, the IceHogs started the season playing strong squads like the Grand Rapids Griffins, Milwaukee Admirals and Manitoba Moose. Once Rockford’s season really gets going, and the team starts playing teams not leading their division, the IceHogs should start piling up wins and competing in a tough Western Conference.
Analysis
Franchise success is slow and steady in the NHL. The foundations of good teams are built by prospect development. Rockford looks to be a place the Blackhawks trust to establish that foundation. The amount of Blackhawks prospects playing with Rockford is a reflection of that belief.
With this, Rockford strives for more than just making future NHLers ready for their call-up. The IceHogs have been a consistent playoff team, and making a deep playoff run in a competitive Western Conference is the goal for this season.
It is difficult to tell fans of a struggling team to be patient. Losing at the NHL level is not fun, and continuous losing will cause continuous frustration. Blackhawks fans should look to this Rockford team and remember the IceHogs of 2007–08. That Hogs squad consisted of players like Colin Fraser, Bryan Bickell, Kris Versteeg, Dave Bolland, Troy Brouwer, Dustin Byfuglien, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Corey Crawford. All of these players became major contributors to the 2010 Stanley Cup-winning team, and some in future Cup runs. They became contributors because of their development in Rockford, and fans should look to the current IceHogs team with the same optimism.
For more insights from Grey about the IceHogs, please listen to the Season 8, Episode 4 Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Rinkcast.