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‘Hawks sign OHL sniper DeBrincat to entry-level deal

2016 NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7

BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 25: Alexander Debrincat reacts after being selected 39th by the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Alex DeBrincat, the prolific junior scorer picked 39th overall by Chicago at this year’s draft, has signed his three-year, entry-level deal, the ‘Hawks announced on Monday.

DeBrincat, 18, was one of the most intriguing prospects in Buffalo this past June. On numbers alone, he ranked as one of the most dynamic offensive talents available -- he posted back-to-back 51-goal seasons with OHL Erie in ’14-15 and ’15-16, eclipsing the 100-point plateau in each campaign.

So, why did he fall all the way to No. 39 overall?

Measurables, primarily.

At 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, he lacks traditional NHL size. Of course, it’s done little to hold him back at the junior level, where he’s already established himself as a decorated skater (he captured both OHL and CHL rookie of the year honors in his freshman campaign).

This year, DeBrincat leads the Ontario League with 17 goals and 35 points through 14 games. Yeah, fourteen games.