Blackhawks Trim Roster, Prepare for Game Against Wild

Chicago, IL – The Chicago Blackhawks cut their roster down to 38 players on September 28, 2025, ahead of their preseason matchup with the Minnesota Wild. The roster now includes 21 forwards, 12 defensemen, and five goaltenders. Players Jackson Cates, Gavin Hayes, Martin Misiak, and Stanislav Berezhnoy have been assigned to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.

The Blackhawks face the Wild on Sunday evening, bringing an almost full-strength roster to the ice at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. This lineup is expected to closely resemble the one that will contest the NHL’s opening night against the Florida Panthers. Notable players like Ryan Greene, Kevin Korchinski, and Nolan Allan are set to showcase their skills during this game.

Goaltenders Drew Commesso and Arvid Soderblom are prepared to take the ice while Spencer Knight gears up for the number-one goalie position. The Wild, on the other hand, will field a blend of veterans and young hopefuls looking to secure a spot on the team.

The Blackhawks are coming off a rebound performance after a previous preseason game against St. Louis. They aim to build on that success in this matchup. Alex Vlasic, the oldest defenseman at 24, highlights the team’s youth movement, with several players aiming for NHL opportunities.

Fans in the Chicago area can catch the game on CHSN, while out-of-market viewers can access it via ESPN+. The puck drops at 5:00 PM CT.

As Blackhawks fans anticipate the upcoming season, interest is high to see new additions such as Andre Burakovsky in action. The ice time opportunities against a divisional opponent will be crucial for players fighting for their NHL dreams.