The Chicago Blackhawks signed North Dakota standout Nick Schmaltz, according to reporters including AZ Sports’ Craig Morgan and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Hine reports that it is a three-year, entry-level contract.
Schmaltz, 20, finished up an impressive sophomore season at the University of North Dakota, helping them win their eighth national championship. The Blackhawks selected him 20th overall in 2014.
Some might view it as asking for too much, but there’s some thought that Schmaltz could serve as a replacement for Teuvo Teravainen.
Update:
The Hawks made the signing official on Sunday afternoon.
The #Blackhawks agree to terms with 2014 first-round pick Nick Schmaltz on a three-year contract. https://t.co/RYqaJxseGk
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 19, 2016
GM Stan Bowman said as much after Teuvo was traded, describing him as a “dynamic player,” as CSNChicago.com notes.
Now, that doesn’t mean Schmaltz can jump right in and play at a comparable level to No. 86, although the Blackhawks keep reeling off nice support players (often more rapidly than expected).
Schmaltz isn’t the only North Dakota prospect for Chicago, who recently signed Luke Johnson. You may feel like the name is familiar for good reason; his brother Jordan Schmaltz was the 25th pick in 2012 by the St. Louis Blues.
Again, people are pretty excited about Nick Schmaltz.
Nick Schmaltz otherwise known as Chicken Fat pic.twitter.com/OFTre4X3WA
— Hoop Informatics 🏀📊🎥 (@HoopInformatics) June 19, 2016