The Blackhawks and forward John Hayden agreed to a two-year entry-level contract on Sunday.
Hayden, a 2013 third-round draft pick, will report to the Blackhawks this season and burn this year of his contract. He will have one season remaining on his deal.
The Blackhawks were aggressive with Hayden’s contract in order to sign him. They had offered him a contract after his junior season at Yale, but he opted to return for his senior season. He could have become an unrestricted free agent if he chose not to sign with the Blackhawks prior to the Aug.