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Blackhawks' dual-sport prospect Mason West completing major step towards his Chicago NHL arrival

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Sam Walker
December 10, 2025 (7:36 PM)

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This week, 2025 first-round pick Mason West is expected to make his season debut with the Fargo Force in the United States Hockey League (USHL), after leading his high school football squad to a state championship. West's transition back to hockey after a decorated fall in football has drawn plenty of attention given his size and versatility.

We truly believed that West's recent achievements could steer him away from hockey, but his recent transition to the USHL clearly hushes those worries.

At 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, West impressed in a brief 10-game appearance with the Force last spring, notching one goal and eight assists for nine points.

That production helped make him an early entry in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, where the Chicago Blackhawks selected him 29th overall.

Now fully committed to hockey, West has spent the last week skating with Fargo's roster and is being eased back into game shape. Head coach Brett Skinner said the club wants to make sure West feels comfortable and ready before giving him a full workload.

Size and skill make West a wild card for the Chicago Blackhawks, NHL

Fargo needs scoring help; the Force rank among the lowest in goals scored league-wide, so West could offer a spark with his combination of size, mobility, and puck skill. His 49-point campaign at the high school level, including 27 goals in 31 games, shows he can finish when the pace slows a bit.

As a former high school football quarterback, he brings leadership and athleticism rarely seen in junior hockey of his age. That dual-sport background may take some adjusting this season, but if his early practices translate to games, Fargo could be getting a bottom-six center with upside-maybe more.

Even if he doesn't explode immediately, this season will be about adjustment and growth. Getting comfortable in the USHL, building strength, and learning to use his frame on the boards are priorities. For Blackhawks fans, the draft pick remains a «wait and see,» but one with intriguing upside.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Game-altering lineup news delivered to the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of facing the St. Louis Blues Friday

Rangers announce crucial roster transaction ahead of facing Blackhawks Wednesday

Insider Darren Dreger delivers tough-to-swallow news to Blackhawks' Connor Bedard on Team Canada hopes

POLL
DECEMBRE 10 \| 113 ANSWERS Blackhawks' dual-sport prospect Mason West completing major step towards his Chicago NHL arrival Do you think Mason West will make an immediate impact with Fargo Force this season?
Yes, right away	54	47.8 %
Needs development	43	38.1 %
Late season breakout	6	5.3 %
No chance	10	8.8 %
List of polls

Blackhawks' dual-sport prospect Mason West completing major step towards his Chicago NHL arrival

Size and skill make West a wild card for the Chicago Blackhawks, NHL

Do you think Mason West will make an immediate impact with Fargo Force this season?