For the Blackhawks, it seems like much of the front office’s focus is finally on the NHL team, as opposed to the prospects beneath them. That hasn’t been the case much over the past few years, but with Chicago turning from a bottom-feeder into a potentially middle-of-the-pack team so far this season, it’s officially go time.
That doesn’t mean the Blackhawks aren’t still a team focused on the future, however. Chicago still boasts one of the best prospect pools in the entire league. One of the most NHL-ready members of the Blackhawks’ pipeline got a surprise extension Friday, which he’ll play on as he transitions to the NHL.
The team announced that it had agreed to terms with forward Landon Slaggert Friday on a two-year, one way contract extension. The deal runs through the 2026-27 season and carries a $900,000 cap hit per year.
There’s no question that Slaggert is one of the most, if not the most, NHL-ready talents in Chicago’s prospect pool. He played in 16 games with the Blackhawks at the end of last year, scoring one goal and three assists. He’s not necessarily the most offensive-minded skater on the team – Slaggert profiles more as a career bottom-six guy (mini-Jason Dickinson?). He was excellent in that role despite not having any NHL experience last season, which is a great sign of what’s to come for the 22-year-old.
Slaggert signed his entry-level contract less than two years ago, but since he played all four years at Notre Dame he was only able to sign for two years. It looks like the Blackhawks are getting his deal done early so that he can stay focused on hockey the rest of the season and in the future.
Speaking of the rest of the season, Slaggert is currently in Rockford, where he’ll likely spend most of the campaign. However, if the injury bug hits Chicago again, his will be one of the first names called. If a top offensive talent hits IR, the Blackhawks may opt for Frank Nazar, but Slaggert could be the first man up if a third or fourth-liner was to get injured. Either way, Chicago will be watching his development carefully, and he’ll be a big part of the franchise’s plans over the next few years.
