The Chicago Blackhawks have officially signed their first-round draft pick, Marek Vanacker, to a three-year entry-level contract. The deal will keep Vanacker with the team through the 2026-27 NHL season, with an annual salary cap hit of $975,000.
Vanacker, 18, was selected as the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The young forward had an impressive season with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League, setting career highs in games played, goals, assists, and points during the 2023-24 season. He also had a strong postseason performance, contributing seven points in six games.
During his time with the Bulldogs, Vanacker played in 123 regular-season games, totaling 98 points with 40 goals and 58 assists. His standout play also earned him a spot on Team Canada, where he helped the team secure a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship.
The signing of Vanacker is part of a larger rebuilding effort by the Blackhawks, who also selected defenseman Artyom Levshunov and center Sacha Boisvert in the first round of the draft. Levshunov, the second overall pick, is already under contract with the team.
Overall, the addition of Vanacker and the other young prospects reflects the Blackhawks’ commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the future. Fans can look forward to seeing Vanacker develop and contribute to the team’s success in the coming seasons.
With the signing of Marek Vanacker, the Chicago Blackhawks have taken another step towards building a bright future for the franchise. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, fans can expect to see Vanacker make an impact on the ice and contribute to the team’s success in the years to come.
