On Saturday morning, the Blackhawks announced the newest member of their offensive pipeline: wing/center Paul Ludwinski.

History

The 18-year-old was selected by Chicago in the second round (39th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, using the Senators’ pick that was acquired as part of the Alex DeBrincat trade. He joins the other part of that trade, defenseman Kevin Korchinski, as some of the Blackhawks’ best prospects from the summer of 2022.

Since 2020, Ludwinski has been a member of the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL. Last season, he played in 67 games with 43 points. With only one game remaining in this campaign, he has 34 points in 47 games. Despite a season somewhat riddled with minor injuries, including a concussion at the Blackhawks Prospect Showcase, he ranks fifth on his squad in points.

Skill Set

At 5’11”, 187 pounds, Ludwinski isn’t the biggest prospect out there. He makes up for it in his effort, as he claimed last season to have the “best motor” in his draft class. After drafting him, Blackhawks’ director of amateur scouting Mike Doneghey seemed to agree:

“Paul is a two-way centerman… He’s got some snarl in his game, inside, good offense. He’s very good on the penalty kill. Oozes character. He’s got that look in his eye, like you win with those type of guys.”

– Mike Doneghey, director of amateur scouting

Ludwinski was drafted for his craftiness and speed. His great mobility makes it easy for him to evade defenders and get clean looks on the net, where he uses his quick release to produce plenty of goals. Even when his production isn’t there, his mindset clearly makes him a viable option on the front line in the future.

Contract

Ludwinski is receiving a three-year, entry-level contract with an annual cap hit of $931,666. The deal is technically supposed to begin next season and would expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. However, Ludwinski is expected to remain in the OHL as a member of the Frontenacs next season. In that case, his contract would “slide” another year, and not come into effect until mid-2024. He won’t be seen representing the Blackhawks in the AHL or ECHL next season, because in order to be eligible for minor league hockey, players must be either 20 years of age or older by December 31 of that season, or have played four seasons in juniors. Ludwinski is in his third juniors season and is still only 18. Provided he doesn’t appear in nine games or more for the Blackhawks next year, the team won’t have to count him toward the salary cap until after next season.

Paul Ludwinski likely won’t be seen in the Blackhawks’ lineup anytime soon, but the brass in Chicago sure won’t forget about him. He represents just one more player in a youth movement on the Blackhawks’ offense, one that’s clearly focusing on speed and puck handling. He’s a bit of a wild card at 18 years old, but he’s already displaying all the tools he needs to be an integral part of the Blackhawks someday.