Chicago Blackhawks Prospect Dylan Sikura To Play In Spengler Cup

Dylan Sikura, the Chicago Blackhawks’ top prospect, will be part of Canada’s team in a prestigious upcoming tournament

While the Chicago Blackhawks are starting to heat up offensively on the ice, I am keeping a watchful eye on the Blackhawks’ prospects. With their top prospect from last year, Alex DeBrincat, making an impact at the NHL level, all the prospect focus has now shifted to Dylan Sikura.

Scott Powers of The Athletic ranks Sikura as the No. 1 unsigned Blackhawks prospect.  After impressing the coaching staff at Blackhawks prospect camp, Sikura has continued to play well at Northeastern. He has seven goals and nine assists in 11 games this season. His play has vaulted Northeastern into a potential NCAA tournament team.

His play also has drawn the notice of Hockey Canada. Earlier this week, Darren Dreger shared some news on Sikura:

If Sikura does indeed play in this tournament, Team Canada could be eyeing him for a 2018 Olympic spot.  Sikura had been on the Team Canada roster for the Karala Cup but was dropped last minute. The Karala is an Olympic tuneup for Team Canada.

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Event’s importance for Sikura

This will be another chance for Sikura to impress Hockey Canada. The Spengler Cup is called the world’s oldest hockey invitational. It is hosted by HC Davos, a Swiss hockey club, in Davos, Switzerland. Team Canada is the current defending champion.

If Sikura plays in the Olympics, he will get to play against former NHL players along with current professional hockey players. With Sikura playing against European pros, we will start to get a better gauge on how well he would stack up in the NHL.

The Blackhawks have made it a priority to sign Sikura once his college career ends. They have a scout at every Northeastern game, per Powers. The ’Hawks have even  signed his brother to an AHL contract to entice the young star to sign with the ’Hawks. General manager Stan Bowman and company have a plan to hopefully get Sikura signed to an entry-level contract.

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Based on their recent success with Nick Schmaltz, John Hayden and DeBrincat, it should be a done deal.  I figure they will give Sikura a roster spot once they sign him. That is when the ’Hawks will most likely waive Tanner Kero to make room for Sikura.