Another Boston University standout has decided to turn pro, as Chad Krys has agreed to a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Krys will be signing a three-year entry-level deal that starts next season and runs through 2021-22. He will join the Rockford IceHogs on an amateur tryout for the rest of this year.
Krys, 20, hasn’t had quite the development path that many expected since he was selected 45th overall in 2016. At that point he had come off an outstanding season in the US Development program and a somewhat surprising appearance at the World Juniors as a 17-year old. Unfortunately, Krys failed to make the World Junior squad the next two years despite being eligible and didn’t sign with the Blackhawks after either of his first two seasons with BU.
Now though, Krys comes to Chicago with quite a bit of experience in one of the best conferences in college hockey, but still some question marks around how quickly he’ll adjust to the professional ranks. Those questions are very important ones for the Blackhawks, who are hoping to turn around their franchise quickly with the next wave of talent. New teammate Alex DeBrincat will certainly be able to offer some words of advice to his fellow World Junior snub, and maybe help him transition in the highest league.
Chicago will have several young defensemen in the lineup next season, but it’s unclear where Krys will fit in. Henri Jokiharju, Gustav Forsling and Carl Dahlstrom have shown they can compete at the highest level, but Krys and young Adam Boqvist will be pushing for spots before long. With Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Connor Murphy all signed to long-term deals, there won’t be enough space for everyone.