Chicago Blackhawks Development Camp: A Look at Upcoming Talent

The Chicago Blackhawks’ development camp progresses with prospects participating in drills led by the coaching team, including Kendall Coyne Schofield. Skaters are familiarizing themselves with the Blackhawks’ system. The 2026 draft class, experiencing Chicago for the first time, includes No. 35 pick Ryan Roobroeck, who described the city as ‘a sick city.’ Meanwhile, the 2025 draftees are more familiar with the city and aspire to make it their permanent home soon.

Highlights of the 2025 Draft Class

Two notable players, Anton Frondell and Ilya Kanarsky, are absent from the camp roster.

Václav Nestrašil

At 19, Václav Nestrašil made significant strides as a right winger, earning a silver medal for Czechia at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championships. Although Sweden, led by Frondell, secured gold, Nestrašil maintains good spirits and respect for his fellow players. ‘It sucked because (Frondell) beat us,’ Nessraši joked, reflecting his sportsmanship. Last season, he scored 31 points during his freshman year at UMass, adapting to the NCAA’s competitive environment by increasing his physicality.

‘Coming to a league and to a team where everybody’s 200 pounds and over… it’s kind of hard to adjust to it,’ said Nestrašil.

Entering his sophomore year, Nestrašil is preparing to play alongside new draftee Samu Alalauri, expressing excitement about their upcoming teamwork at UMass.

Mason West

Mason West, picked at No. 29 in 2025, transitioned from excelling in high school football to ice hockey with the USHL’s Fargo Force. West, who scored 25 points in 38 games last season, credits his quarterback experience for enhancing his on-ice performance. Now focused solely on hockey, he anticipates improving his game through physical challenges and practice.

‘I can see myself getting better every single day,’ West remarked, emphasizing his commitment to development.

West is set for a busy hockey future, having verbalized his commitment to Michigan State for the 2026-27 season and receiving an invitation to Team USA’s World Junior Summer Showcase.

Nathan Behm

Nathan Behm, also a No. 66 selection, consistently enhanced his skills over three seasons with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, posting 86 points in his latest season. As he prepares for his first college season at Arizona State, Behm aims to refine his speed and agility.

Julius Sumpf

Drafted at No. 98 in 2025, 21-year-old Julius Sumpf scored 21 points in his first NCAA season at Providence College. Sumpf acknowledges the challenges of competing against older, bigger players but remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. Having a familiar teammate, John Mustard, in camp aids his transition.

Parker Holmes

Parker Holmes, selected at No. 107 in 2025, recorded 17 points with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs last season. His recent trade to the Sarnia Sting signals new opportunities ahead.

Ashton Cumby

No. 162 pick Ashton Cumby is embarking on his professional hockey journey with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. His steady improvement while with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, where he achieved a +13 plus/minus rating, prepares him for this new phase in his career.

‘I feel like that’s key, just going in there confident and make sure that I do what I do well,’ Cumby stated about his intentions for his AHL tenure.