BREAKING: Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms on two-year contract extension with forward
The Chicago Blackhawks have locked in another key piece of their future, signing forward to a two-year contract extension. The 21-year-old winger, who was originally selected by the Blackhawks in the third round (79th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, has continued to impress the organization with his development, earning this vote of confidence as he looks to make his mark at the professional level.
Slaggert, a South Bend, Indiana native, spent the past three seasons at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a standout player for the Fighting Irish. Known for his high motor, two-way game, and leadership qualities, Slaggert tallied 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points across 100 games during his college career. His strong play on both sides of the puck caught the attention of the Blackhawks’ front office, who have viewed him as a potential bottom-six forward with upside since his draft year.
Development Path
Slaggert’s progression has followed the path of many successful NHL prospects, moving from college hockey to the professional ranks with the goal of earning a permanent spot on the Blackhawks’ roster. His time at Notre Dame allowed him to refine his defensive game and further develop the offensive skills that made him a standout in the U.S. National Development Team Program (USNTDP), where he played alongside some of the top young talents in the country.
This two-year extension signifies that the Blackhawks are confident in Slaggert’s ability to take the next step. General Manager Kyle Davidson emphasized the importance of Slaggert’s work ethic and versatility in his statement on the signing:
“Landon is a player who embodies the type of attitude and commitment we want in Chicago. His energy, competitiveness, and defensive reliability make him a valuable part of our organization as we continue to build for the future. We’re excited to see how he continues to grow over the next two years.”*
Projected Role with the Blackhawks
Slaggert is expected to begin the 2024-25 season with the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, where he will have the opportunity to acclimate to the professional game and continue developing his skill set. However, with his combination of tenacity and hockey IQ, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn call-ups to the NHL as the Blackhawks assess their roster during the season.
Given the Blackhawks’ current youth movement, which is headlined by players like Connor Bedard and Lukas Reichel, Slaggert fits perfectly into the team’s rebuilding timeline. While he may not possess the same elite offensive ceiling as some of his fellow prospects, his ability to play a responsible, hard-nosed game could earn him a valuable role in Chicago’s bottom-six in the coming seasons.
Future Outlook
The Blackhawks’ decision to sign Slaggert to a two-year extension underscores their commitment to building from within and giving young players the time they need to develop. The team is clearly taking a long-term approach as it rebuilds around a core of promising prospects, and Slaggert’s continued development could make him a key depth player for years to come.
As Chicago looks to transition into a new era, the signing of Landon Slaggert is just one step in a larger process of ensuring the team’s competitiveness in the future. With his strong work ethic and potential to contribute in all areas of the game, Slaggert’s extension is a positive sign for both the player and the Blackhawks organization.
Fans can expect to see Slaggert in action at the AHL level soon, but his hard-nosed style and versatility could quickly lead to opportunities with the Blackhawks as he works toward earning a permanent spot on the roster.