The Chicago Blackhawks have added some more international talent, agreeing to terms with Jakub Pour on a two-year entry-level contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $842,500 and runs through the 2022-23 season. Pour explained exactly why he chose the Blackhawks to start his NHL journey:
It is a hockey dream come true. Every boy who puts on skates wants to start in the National Hockey League one day. I know that I have not reached this goal yet, but by signing the contract I have taken an important step towards it. I’m happier even more that I just signed with Chicago. Ever since Dominik Kubalík started playing for the Blackhawks, I have been following the club in great detail, the whole organization seems very nice to me. Great players, traditions, great triumphs. I’m excited and looking forward to it.
In the summer, I will prepare myself at home to be 100 percent ready for a new challenge. In Chicago, I will do my best to fulfill my dream of playing in the NHL. I believe it will be sooner than later, but I will be patient. Whether the chance comes after a month or in the second year of the contract, I have to be prepared.
Kubalik was Pour’s teammate with Plzen HC in the Czech Republic and is a great path to try and follow if you’re an undrafted European free agent. Though Kubalik was actually selected in the seventh round in 2013, he didn’t come to the NHL until 2019 with the Blackhawks. By scoring 30 goals in his rookie season, he was a finalist for a Calder Trophy and is now inspiring other young Czechs to sign with Chicago.
Pour, 22, is another big frame, standing 6’3″ with a long reach. He scored 12 goals in 48 games with Plzen this season setting a new career-high in scoring. While those numbers don’t inspire greatness, he represents another lottery ticket for the Blackhawks to test at training camp. Having only turned 22 a few months ago, he still has plenty of time to develop his offensive game or establish himself as a legitimate bottom-six option in Chicago.