With the NHL Entry Draft now in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Blackhawks are shifting gears to focus on their annual development camp. This year’s camp is set to run from Monday, June 29, to Thursday, July 2, and it’s bringing something new to the table - an on-ice portion. That's right, for the first time in three years, players will be hitting the ice, and it's not just for show.
General Manager Kyle Davidson explained the rationale behind this change, emphasizing the value of on-ice evaluations. “We’re going to see if we can derive a little more information out of some of the on-ice portion,” Davidson noted.
The goal is to gather insights that go beyond the basics, focusing on skating, skill work, and other critical areas. This approach aims to craft a comprehensive development plan for each player, one that's as dynamic as the game itself.
So, what does the schedule look like? Here's a quick rundown:
Monday, June 29
- Media availability kicks things off, featuring the 2026 draft class alongside Assistant General Manager of Player Development, Mark Eaton.
Wednesday, July 1
- Team 1 hits the ice for practice at 10 a.m., followed by Team 2 at 11:45 a.m.
- Media availability with GM Kyle Davidson provides an opportunity to glean insights straight from the top.
Thursday, July 2
- The schedule mirrors Wednesday, with Team 1 practicing at 10 a.m. and Team 2 at 11:45 a.m.
All these sessions are set to take place at the Blackhawks Ice Center and, in a fan-friendly move, they’re open to the public. It’s a great chance for fans to catch a glimpse of the future stars in action.
Now, let’s take a look at who will be lacing up their skates at the camp:
Forwards
- Nathan Behm
- Sacha Boisvert
- Parker Holmes
- John Mustard
- Vaclav Nestrasil
- Ryan Roobroeck
- William Sorbrand
- AJ Spellacy
- Julius Sumpf
- Joel Svensson
- Marek Vanacker
- Mason West
Defensemen
- Samu Alalauri
- Ashton Cumby
- Ty Henry
- Janne Peltonen
- Xavier Villeneuve
This roster is packed with potential, and the development camp is the perfect stage for these young talents to showcase their skills and make a lasting impression. With the added dimension of on-ice activities, the Blackhawks are clearly committed to nurturing their prospects with a well-rounded approach. It’s an exciting time for the franchise and its fans, as they look to build a bright future on the ice.
In Other News...
Blackhawks Fans Finally Get A Real Look At The Pipeline
The Blackhawks are about to give fans a much better look at the future. Chicago announced a 19-player roster for its upcoming Development Camp, and this years version will finally return to on-ice work at the Blackhawks Ice Center after the event had shifted to an off-ice format in 2023. The camp runs Tuesday through Thursday, with a mix of top prospects and recent draft picks set to take part as the organization starts putting its pipeline on display again.
There is plenty of intrigue in the group, too, with names such as Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker, Vaclav Nestrasil and Mason West among those expected on the ice. Four of the Blackhawks five 2026 NHL Draft selections are also scheduled to attend, giving the team a chance to evaluate a broad slice of its prospect pool in one setting. Media availability is lined up during the week as well, offering a closer look at the players, coaches and management shaping what comes next. [Read more 🡒]