Three Chicago Blackhawks Prospects Close to Making the Jump from College

The 2023-24 NHL regular season is less than a month from concluding, but there is still plenty more to discuss in these final weeks.

Many college prospects sign their entry-level contracts this time of year once their team's season ends. Some sign earlier than others, depending on whether or not their team qualifies for the playoffs. Top prospects who are signed early enough can also get the chance to play a few games in the NHL before the season ends, giving the team a better idea of where the player is at in their development.

There are numerous Blackhawks prospects playing college hockey that could be knocking on the door of turning professional after their season is finished. The Blackhawks have already begun signing players to their ELC (entry-level contract) such as Landon Slaggert from Notre Dame (NCAA), who has played four games since being signed. Other prospects in recent seasons have come to Chicago right out of college and saw a few games in the NHL, with Wyatt Kaiser signing from Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) last season and Alex Vlasic from Boston University (NCAA) the season before.

Some prospects, however, likely will stay in college for at least another year to further their development before becoming full-time professionals.

Players such as Oliver Moore and Sam Rinzel from the University of Minnesota (NCAA) are expected to return after their promising freshman seasons. However, there are a few young players in the Blackhawks farm system who could be ready to take the next step in their development and sign their entry-level contracts once their college seasons are over.