Blackhawks Sign Aidan Thompson to ELC

Shortly after today’s morning skate concluded, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they have signed forward Aidan Thompson to a two-year, entry-level contract. His deal will kick in next season, and he will play out the rest of this year with the Rockford IceHogs on a professional tryout contract (PTO).

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The 23-year-old just wrapped up his third season at the University of Denver, where he won a national championship last year. He sent career highs this season with 21 goals, 34 assists and 55 points. In 120 NCAA games, Thompson scored 42 goals and 117 points.

“I think his body needed some time to physically mature,” Denver head coach David Carle told Scott Powers of The Athletic. “I think the shot has improved. One-timers improved. Just the ability to hang onto the puck, make some of those finishing plays, that’s certainly been there. I think it starts with his body, though, for me. (I’ve seen) more strength. He spent a lot of time with our strength coach, Matt Shaw. This summer, you can just tell he’s a little bit thicker, leaner.”

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Originally a third-round pick in 2022, the Blackhawks hope they have a late bloomer on their hands. He’s one of the oldest players in the prospect pool, and that should help him in any AHL games he plays this spring. He has the speed and quickness the Blackhawks want to build around, and he’s increased his strength on the puck.