Blackhawks field youngest defense group yet in late-season game

Chicago started six defensemen aged 24 or younger against the Minnesota Wild as coach Jeff Blashill gave young defenders extended minutes; the group helped fuel a comeback but the Blackhawks lost 4-3 in overtime.

When Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson began rebuilding four years ago, he focused early on the blue line and added defensive prospects with high draft capital. Recent trades of Seth Jones and Connor Murphy reduced veteran presence, leaving Matt Grzelczyk as the lone regular veteran. Coach Jeff Blashill healthy-scratched Grzelczyk on Tuesday and started six defensemen aged 24 or younger against the Minnesota Wild. The young group had a slow first period but grew into the game and helped the Blackhawks rally to a 3-3 tie before an overtime loss. Key details: - The six defenders were Alex Vlasic (24), Artyom Levshunov (20), Wyatt Kaiser (23), Sam Rinzel (21), Ethan Del Mastro (23) and Louis Crevier (24), deployed as three defensive pairings. - Levshunov played a career-high 26:29 and logged 20:06 at five-on-five; he was credited with the secondary assist on the game-tying play to Frank Nazar. - Del Mastro was given the opportunity in part because he has received fewer NHL games this season and will lose waiver exemption next year, prompting a look by the staff. - Kaiser led the team in five-on-five ice time at 21:12 and had a team-best expected goals percentage of 75.22, per Natural Stat Trick. - Crevier scored a goal measured at 105 miles per hour and added an assist when his point shot led to a teammate’s goal. - The Blackhawks trailed 3-1 after the first period, rallied to 3-3, and eventually lost 4-3 in overtime to the Wild. Summary: The game served as a practical test of Chicago’s younger defensive group and allowed coaches to evaluate several prospects in extended NHL minutes. The group showed moments of stronger positioning, quicker breakouts and offensive engagement as the game progressed. The team could keep the same group for the next meeting in Minnesota, and the organization is reported to be evaluating whether to add another defenseman this offseason; any formal decision is expected later in the spring.