The Chicago Blackhawks announce unexpected first signing of free agency

This comes as an unexpected announcement, and the Blackhawks are giving a forward one more chance.

Earlier today, Rockford IceHogs General Manager Mark Bernard confirmed that the team has signed the 27-year-old forward Jackson Cates to a one-year AHL contract.

He provided insights in an official press release:

Coming off his second campaign with the IceHogs, where he put up 16 points, including nine goals in 64 games, Cates will bring his leadership and experience to the team's locker room next season.

The Stillwater, Minnesota native joined Rockford in December 2023 on a Professional Tryout before earning a standard contract a few weeks later.

Over the past two seasons, he scored 41 points in 114 games with the IceHogs, as well as three points in 11 playoff games.

He also took part in 20 NHL games, all with the Philadelphia Flyers between 2020 and 2023, where he tallied two points, including one goal.

For the Blackhawks organization, signing a player like Cates in Rockford provides valuable depth and leadership, not to mention reliability on special teams. It's a low-key but smart move as the team continues to develop prospects in the AHL.

The coming days will reveal a lot about the Blackhawks' short-term plans. Acquiring key free agents when the market opens will show that they want to compete now. If that happens, fewer lineup spots will be up for grabs during training camp.

However, if the Hawks focus on developing, several prospects could make the roster on opening night, as we saw at the end of last season.

With a brand-new coaching staff in place, anything could happen in Chicago this summer. Stay tuned for all updates.