The Vanacker family will pop the champagne later on today’s Civic Holiday in Canada, as Brantford Bulldogs forward Marek Vanacker has signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks announced Monday morning that the team has agreed to terms with Vanacker on a three-year entry-level contract worth $2.925 million.
starting our week with a signing👀
Details ⮕ https://t.co/ykHb0SvBJk pic.twitter.com/ZiyXbfOl8O
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 5, 2024
Vanacker, 18, was the seventh OHL player selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, picked 27th overall by Chicago.
The Delhi, Ontario native becomes the ninth OHL player from the 2024 class to sign his ELC deal. His contract comes in at the maximum amount for an entry-level deal, valued at a $975,000 cap hit for the next three years.
Despite playing essentially all of last season with a shoulder injury, Vanacker was one of the most productive OHL draft-eligible players in his draft year.
Related: Top NHL Draft Prospect Marek Vanacker Revealed He Played All Season Injured
He led the Brantford Bulldogs in goals (36) and points (82) while playing all 68 regular season games. Marek added another seven points in six games in the playoffs before his team was eliminated in the first round by the Ottawa 67’s.
Vanacker went over to Finland after his season ended to represent Canada at the IIHF Men’s U18 World Championship where he helped capture gold for his nation.
Expect Chicago Blackhawks prospects Marek Vanacker and Nick Lardis to lead the way offensively for Brantford in 2024-25 and showcase why they should be considered top prospects in Chicago’s system.
Related
Related: Logan Hawery signs OHL Scholarship and Development Contract with London
Related: Cole Beaudoin Signs Entry-Level Contract With Utah
Related: Sam Dickinson Signs Entry-Level Contract With San Jose; Could we see him with the Sharks out of Training Camp?
