August 5, 2024, 2:33 PM
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Marek Vanacker to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.
The deal carries a $975,000 salary cap hit.
Vanacker was drafted in the first round, 27th overall, by the Blackhawks in June.
The 18-year-old from Dehli, Ont., led the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League with 36 goals and 82 points in 68 games this past season.
He also captured a gold medal with Canada at the IIHF under-18 world championship in May and registered one goal in six games.