The Chicago Blackhawks have made their first roster adjustments of training camp, sending four of their junior prospects back to their Canadian Hockey League (CHL) teams. As noted by Darren Pang during the recent Chicago Sports Network broadcast, these players were expected to return to their junior clubs following the game.
Forwards Nathan Behm, Parker Holmes, Jack Pridham, and Marek Vanacker are all headed back to Canada. Because the revised CHL/AHL agreement doesn’t kick in until next season, these under-20 players are only eligible to play in the NHL or CHL for now. While there was speculation earlier this summer that the rule change might come sooner, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson confirmed it’s still a year away. The upcoming rule will allow each NHL team to loan one 19-year-old CHL player to their AHL affiliate.
Holmes and Vanacker are rejoining the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where Vanacker is expected to play a major role. He’s seen as a strong candidate for NHL or AHL appearances after his OHL season ends.
Pridham is returning to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, choosing to delay his commitment to Boston University. Last season, he tallied 27 goals and 54 points in 48 games. There’s still a possibility he plays NCAA hockey next year, depending on whether he signs an entry-level deal.
Behm, a 2025 third-round pick, will head back to the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League (WHL) after a 31-goal, 66-point season. He’s set to join Arizona State University next year as part of his ongoing development.
Remaining junior players on the Blackhawks’ camp roster include defenseman Ty Henry, who is recovering from knee surgery, and forward AJ Spellacy, who injured his shoulder at the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase and has yet to practice. Spellacy is likely to see some training camp action before being reassigned to the OHL.
With the Rockford IceHogs set to begin their own training camp on Monday, more roster moves are expected following this weekend’s games against the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild.
