During the Chicago Blackhawks’ development camp, prospects engaged in drills guided by development coaches such as Kendall Coyne Schofield. These sessions offered skaters valuable experience, helping them integrate into the Hawks’ system. Players from the 2026 draft class experienced Chicago for the first time, with No. 35 pick Ryan Roobroeck describing it as an impressive city. The 2025 draftees, having participated before, aim to establish a future in the city.
2025 Draft Class Updates
Anton Frondell and Ilya Kanarsky were absent from the camp roster.
Václav Nestrašil
Václav Nestrašil, a 19-year-old right winger, had a notable winter season, earning a silver medal for Czechia at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championships. Although his team lost to Sweden, led by Frondell, Nestrašil expressed admiration for Frondell’s skills and character. In his first collegiate season at UMass, Nestrašil achieved 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists). The transition to NCAA posed initial challenges, but Nestrašil embraced the increased competition. He has focused on physical development, gaining weight to meet the demands of the league. For the upcoming season, he will team up with the 2026 No. 66 pick, Samu Alalauri, further strengthening his ties with UMass. Nestrašil eagerly anticipates playing alongside Alalauri, whom he described as personable and talented.
Mason West
After securing a football state championship with Edina High in Minnesota, Mason West, the 2025 No. 29 pick, shifted his focus entirely to hockey. He attributes his experience as a quarterback to providing advantages on the ice. Transitioning to the USHL’s Fargo Force, West scored 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 38 games. He continues to refine his skills and embrace his physical stature. West has been invited to the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase and has committed to playing for Michigan State in the 2026-27 season. He looks forward to enhancing his skating, physicality, and overall game.
Nathan Behm
Nathan Behm, one of the 2025 No. 66 selections, developed his skills with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. Over three seasons, his performance steadily improved, culminating in 86 points (38 goals, 48 assists) in the 2025-26 season. Committed to Arizona State for 2026-27, Behm is determined to advance his game with a focus on speed and explosiveness in the NCAA.
Julius Sumpf
The Blackhawks picked Julius Sumpf as the No. 98 in the 2025 draft. In his debut NCAA season at Providence College, he contributed 21 points (four goals, 17 assists). Facing tougher opponents, Sumpf sees this as a beneficial step and aspires to improve during the next season. He values having John Mustard, a fellow Providence teammate, by his side at the camp.
Parker Holmes
Parker Holmes, 19, selected at No. 107 in the 2025 draft, recorded 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) with the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs. A recent trade sent him to the Sarnia Sting, opening a new chapter in his hockey career.
Ashton Cumby
Ashton Cumby, chosen No. 162 in 2025, is poised to start his professional hockey journey. He signed a two-year AHL contract with the Rockford IceHogs. Cumby intends to leave a lasting impression in Rockford, capitalizing on his growth with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, where he scored 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) and maintained a +13 plus/minus rating.