The Chicago Blackhawks have signed their top prospect, Nick Schmaltz, to an entry-level contract. The news was first reported by ArizonaSports.com’s Craig Morgan. The contract will be for three years and the assumption is for the max entry-level deal ($925,000 per year). The signing comes at a perfect time for the Blackhawks, as they just traded away their top young forward in Teuvo Teravainen to the Carolina Hurricanes.
With Schmaltz in the fold, here are five implications of the signing.
1. Schmaltz could be become coach Joel Quenneville’s new Swiss army knife. Schmaltz is a versatile player who has a strong offensive game, but he also plays a responsible defensive game.