The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed 2015 second-round pick Graham Knott to an entry-level contract. CapFriendly confirms that it is a standard three-year deal with the $925K maximum entry-level cap hit. The big left wing has looked good in camp, and is coming off of a 42-point season with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs, who he helped lead to the league finals.
Although the 6’3″ 19-year-old is likely headed back to juniors this year, he is an interesting prospect for Hawks fans to keep an eye on. A power forward who plays a complete two-way game, Knott has the skill and hockey sense to be an effective NHLer. However, he may need more development on the finesse of his game before he’s ready for the next level.
With Knott signed on officially, he joins a massive list of young wingers fighting for a spot on the Blackhawks this season. Ryan Hartman, Vinnie Hinostroza, Mark McNeill, Nick Schmaltz, and Tyler Motte are all looking to fill a plethora of holes in Chicago’s bottom-six, and Knott hopes to keep his name in contention for as long as possible.