Top NHL prospect chooses to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks next season
Landon Slaggert is a seasoned NCAA player and has been playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the last four seasons.
Despite being drafted by the Blackhawks in 2020, he turned down the entry-level contract offered by the team last year to continue his growth as a player in the NCAA.
However, it seems that after completing his senior year this season, Slaggert may now commit to the Blackhawks organization.
New: Landon Slaggert plans to sign with the Blackhawks after his excellent senior season at Notre Dame ends.
"It seems like the right organization for me for a number of reasons."
He explains why here: https://t.co/aOtPDHEUHp— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 28, 2024
There was a possibility that he could have become a free agent if he didn't commit, but he has denied that possibility.
«[I'm] definitely hoping to sign with the Hawks,» he told the Sun-Times this week. «It seems like the right organization for me for many reasons. I feel comfortable with all the people who have helped me so far. It also feels like the right opportunity and the right spot. I'm excited to see what's in the cards there.»
Slaggert had several reasons for not signing his first ELC as a 2020 3rd-round, 79th-overall draft pick. He had an important leadership role in the Fighting Irish organization and wanted to guide his younger brother, Carter, through the ins and outs of college hockey.
He also wanted to continue developing his game in the NCAA, which has paid off well. In the 2023-2024 season, he has posted 16 goals and 9 assists for 25 points in 26 games with the Fighting Irish.
Hawks assistant general manager Mark Eaton, who oversees the prospects, has been very impressed — and by more than just the stats.
«He still has all the qualities you'd look for in a third-line player,» Eaton said in December. «But he has shown those first-line qualities this year with his hands, his ability to make plays in the tough areas, along the walls, in front of the net [and] in the neutral zone, absorbing hits and still making skilled plays to his center.
«[Among] our forward prospects, he's probably the most NHL-ready out of all of them. If you look at the state of the Blackhawks, he's one that could potentially get an opportunity here pretty soon.»
«He still has all the qualities you'd look for in a third-line player,» Eaton said in December. «But he has shown those first-line qualities this year with his hands, his ability to make plays in the tough areas, along the walls, in front of the net [and] in the neutral zone, absorbing hits and still making skilled plays to his center.
«[Among] our forward prospects, he's probably the most NHL-ready out of all of them. If you look at the state of the Blackhawks, he's one that could potentially get an opportunity here pretty soon.»
Slaggert has been working on improving his stick handling, shooting and passing skills, which has helped him score 8 points in his last five games with the team. He even managed to score four goals in a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions, leading his team to a 6-3 victory.
To ensure that all of his efforts pay off, Slaggert needs to use his skills to help penetrate the offensive zone and find ways to score in dirty areas, which will be beneficial for his future in the NHL.
Slaggert remains committed to finishing the season with the Fighting Irish, but will grab ahold of the opportunity which awaits him in Chicago when the time is right.
Slaggert remains committed to finishing the season with the Fighting Irish, but will grab ahold of the opportunity which awaits him in Chicago when the time is right.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 28 | 281 ANSWERS Top NHL prospect chooses to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks next season Do you think Landon Slaggert will be another great addition to the team? | ||
| Yes | 233 | 82.9 % |
| No | 48 | 17.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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