The Blackhawks have inked forward prospect Landon Slaggert to a two-year extension, per a team release. It’s a one-way deal worth $1.8MM in total, working out to a $900K cap hit.
Slaggert, 22, didn’t crack the Hawks out of camp this year on his first try. However, signing him to a one-way extension indicates Chicago likely doesn’t envision that happening again. He’ll require waivers starting next year.
A third-round pick in 2020, Slaggert had an up-and-down collegiate career at Notre Dame. But a strong senior season saw him shoot up the Blackhawks’ prospect rankings, leading them in scoring with 20 goals and 31 points in 36 contests. The well-rounded offensive forward earned a spot on the Big 10 Second All-Star Team and was the Fighting Irish’s nominee for the Hobey Baker Award for the top player in college hockey.
Slaggert signed his entry-level contract last March following the conclusion of his collegiate schedule and immediately reported to the Blackhawks, where he had a goal and three assists for four points in 16 appearances to close out the season. The Indiana native can play both left wing and center but started on the wing, where he averaged 11:16 per game and managed a +1 rating in largely defensive usage.
He was set to become a restricted free agent next summer. For now, Slaggert remains on assignment to AHL Rockford, where he had an assist and a +1 rating in his season debut against Grand Rapids last weekend. He’s a versatile depth piece without many standout strengths but few notable weaknesses, too, likely making him a projectable bottom-six fixture in the Windy City. He’ll now be an RFA upon expiry in 2027.