Chicago Blackhawks sign Marek Vanacker to three-year, entry-level contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced they’ve come to terms with forward Marek Vanacker on a three-year, entry-level contract. Vanacker’s new deal carries $975,000 average annual value.

Vanacker, 18, was a 2024 first-round pick of the Blackhawks, 24th overall. He spent the 2023-24 season with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League where he had himself a career season. Vanacker posted career highs, dressing in 68 games, scoring 36 goals, adding 46 assists, and finishing the campaign with 86 points. He’d go on to add another three goals and four assists in six OHL playoff games.

Last season was a huge step forward for Vanacker, who recorded just 16 points in 55 OHL games the season prior. The native of Delhi, ON is expected to return to the OHL where he’ll be a big part of the offense and leadership core for the Bulldogs in 2024-25. Through his 123 career OHL games, he’s totaled 98 points.

The 6-foot-1, 178-pound Vanacker has also represented his country on the international stage, dressing for Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he’d score once in six games on route to a gold medal.

Some wild news to consider is the fact Vanacker dealt with an early-season labrum injury and admitted at the NHL combine, he hurt himself in November, making his OHL season with the Bulldogs even more impressive. He continues to recover from the injury and there’s a chance his start to the 2024-25 season could be delayed.

As for the Blackhawks, they selected two other players in the first round of the 2024 draft, including defenseman Artyom Levshunov, second overall, and forward Sacha Boisvert, 18th overall.

Considering how much impact recent draft picks have been making for the Blackhawks the past few seasons, each prospect should be very excited about the potential of playing for Chicago much sooner, than later.