Commesso took a step back in 2025-26, posting a 3.08 GAA and .901 save percentage across 37 AHL appearances in Rockford after two consecutive seasons of meaningful improvement. The regression is notable but not necessarily alarming – a compelling argument can be made that he has simply outgrown the AHL environment and needs NHL competition to take his next developmental step. His three-game NHL cameo this year provided some evidence for that theory: a 2-1 record, .918 save percentage, and a shutout against stiffer competition than he faces in Rockford on a nightly basis. The path to a backup goaltender role runs through Arvid Soderblom, who has proven to be capable if not astounding behind Spencer Knight. At 24, the time has arrived to find out whether Commesso is an NHL goaltender. A strong camp could accelerate that answer. A hold in dynasty; a streaming target in redraft if he gets a prolonged look.

Commesso’s numbers give a pretty clear read on where he is at right now. Last season in Rockford was a solid step forward for him, putting up a 2.54 GAA and a .911 save rate across a big workload, then pushing it even higher with a .926 in the playoffs. This season looks like more of the same in a good way. A 2.69 and .911 through 15 games is basically a continuation of last year, and he is doing it behind a Rockford group that’s been looser defensively. He has not taken that big jump yet, but he has not moved backward either, which is usually what you want to see from a goalie still finding his footing. He is settling in, handling the workload, and showing enough consistency to stay on Chicago’s radar. It’s the kind of steady, patient progression you expect before a young goalie finally takes that next step.

Commesso had another very solid season with the AHL’s Rockford Icehogs. He sported an 18-15-6 record with a 2.54 GAA and .911 save percentage, with both rate stats sitting just inside the top twenty netminders in the league. With the Blackhawks adding Spencer Knight to the roster, having veteran Laurent Brossoit under contract, and RFA Arvid Soderblom in the mix, Commesso does not have a direct line to the NHL at present. He and one of Soderblom and Brossoit are likely to be the tandem in Rockford for at least one more season, and he could be the backup to Knight by 2026-2027. Given the volatile nature of goaltending and the work-in-progress of the rebuilding Blackhawks, Commesso could impress and surprise us all by stealing his way up the depth chart with a hot run. He’s certainly worthy of a stash at this point.

Commesso played a total of 28 games with Boston University posting a 0.914 SV% and a 2.52 GAA. He also played two games in the IIHF WJC-20 before the competition was cancelled due to the Coronavirus concerns. Over the course of the year he has gained a considerable amount of confidence. His high hockey IQ, above average puck handling skills and quick glove hand will only improve as he gets older. Commesso is considered to have a higher ceiling than Söderblom and when he is NHL ready he will more than likely be the starter. However, do not expect that anytime soon as he is still a few years away.

Commesso is in a battle to make the Team USA roster for the 2021 WJHC. It looks like an uphill battle with Spencer Knight and Dustin Wolf ahead of him, but spectacular play could earn him a spot. Knight and Wolf were both members of the 2020 team.