According to a team release, the Chicago Blackhawks have come to terms with pending RFA Mark McNeill on a new one-year contract. The 23-year old will stay another season with the team that drafted him 18th overall in 2013.
After being a prolific scorer for the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, McNeill has brought those soft hands to the AHL where he has recorded back-to-back 20-goal seasons. The 23-year old made his NHL debut this past season, suiting up for a single game for the Blackhawks.
Though McNeill has shown he can dominate in the AHL, he may still need to wait for a real opportunity with the Blackhawks, after they brought in names like Jordin Tootoo and Nick Schmaltz for this season. He’ll head to camp trying to force his way onto the roster, and prove that he can continue to produce at the next level.