Blackhawks’ Drew Commesso Named No. 8 Goalie Prospect by The Athletic

The Chicago Blackhawks’ Drew Commesso is the No. 8 overall best NHL goaltending prospect, according to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic.

Wheeler’s list includes his top 10 goalie prospects under the age of 25, who are not currently among the NHL’s teams’ two primary options. On Monday, Wheeler listed three Blackhawks prospects in his under-23 top 50 skater rankings.

Selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Commesso posted a .914 save percentage in 28 games as a sophomore at Boston University this past season. Commesso also had one shutout and a .964 save percentage in two games for Team USA at the Olympics. He will return to Boston University for his junior season then likely sign his entry-level contract.

Wheeler notes Drew Commesso’s strong positioning in the crease, technique, footwork, and poise to the goalie’s success. Commesso, who turned 20 last week, is a sound goalie that makes the saves he should but isn’t going to steal games, according to Wheeler.

Honorable Mention: Soderblom

Fellow Chicago Blackhawks goalie prospect Arvid Soderblom was among 10 honorable mentions to the list. The undrafted free agent signee posted a .919 save percentage and two shutouts in 38 AHL games for the Rockford IceHogs this past season. He had a .863 save percentage in three NHL games with the Blackhawks. Soderblom, who turns 23 in August, is expected to be Rockford’s No. 1 goalie again next season.

Top 10

The list included six goalies from Western Conference teams and four from the Eastern Conference. The top two goalies, Jesper Wallstedt (Wild) and Yaroslav Askarov (Predators), are from the Central Division with the Blackhawks. Dustin Wolf (Flames) at No. 4, Lukas Dostal (Ducks) at No. 6, and Stuart Skinner (Oilers) at No. 10 are the other goalies from the West.