Chicago Blackhawks sign Ryder Rolston to three-year, entry-level contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed Ryder Rolston to a three-year, entry-level contract. The contract holds an average annual value (AAV) of $895,000, he will be paid a minor league salary of $82,500. The contract will begin next season and runs through 2025-26.

Rolston was a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the NCAA. Rolston just finished up his third season with the Irish. Unfortunately, his season was cut prematurely due to a broken collarbone he suffered against the Wisconsin Badgers in January. He had registered 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 27 games this season. Last year he set career highs with 10 goals, 17 assists and 27 points. The Boston, Massachusetts product registered 53 points (18 goals, 35 assists) in 93 NCAA appearances. Prior to his collegiate career, Rolston was a second-overall selection in the 2019 USHL Draft by the Waterloo Black Hawks. He made his Black Hawks debut in 2019-20 and finished the season fourth among the team in points with 16 goals and 33 points.

The 21-year-old was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. His rights were traded to the Blackhawks in 2021 in a deal that saw Carl Soderberg to the Avs. Rolston is the son of former NHLer Brian Rolston who appeared in 1,256 games with the New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild and New York Islanders. He was a member of the Devils’ 1994-95 Stanley Cup winning team and 1996-97 Team USA World Cup roster.  

The younger Rolston will be assigned to the Blackhawks American Hockey League affiliate Rockford IceHogs. The IceHogs possess a record of 27-22-5-4 and sit fifth in the Central Division. They next play Wednesday against the Manitoba Moose.