Blackhawks and Marek Vanacker Reach 3-Year Agreement for First-Round Pick

The Chicago Blackhawks and their first-round pick, Marek Vanacker, have reached an agreement on a three-year, entry-level contract that will last until the end of the 2026-27 season. This was announced by the team on Monday.

The contract will have an annual salary cap hit of $975,000.

Vanacker, who is 18 years old, was selected as the No. 27 overall pick by Chicago in the June draft.

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During the 2023-24 season, while playing for the Brantford Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League, the forward achieved career highs in games played (68), goals (36), assists (46), and points (82). He also contributed seven points (three goals, four assists) in six postseason games during the same season.

The Ontario native has played in 123 regular-season games with the Bulldogs from 2022-24, scoring a total of 98 points (40 goals, 58 assists).

He was also a part of Team Canada's gold medal win at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship.

Vanacker was one of the three first-round picks for the Blackhawks in the draft as they continue to rebuild their team. They also acquired Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the No. 2 overall pick and center Sacha Boisvert from Muskegon of the United States Hockey League at No. 18 overall.

Levshunov is already signed to a contract.