First round pick Vanacker signs with Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Brantford Bulldogs forward Marek Vanacker to a three-year entry-level contract.
Vanacker led the Bulldogs with 36 goals and 82 points in 2023-24 as he finished tied 16th in OHL scoring. After he had seven postseason points in the first round of the OHL playoffs, the 18-year-old helped Canada to gold at the 2024 U18 World Championships.
The 23rd overall pick in the 2022 OHL Draft, Vanacker has recorded 98 points (40 goals) in 123 games with the Bulldogs.
Chicago selected the Delhi, ON., native 27th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The @BulldogsOHL's Marek Vanacker led the club in scoring in 2023-24.
Now his offensive talents are going to the Windy City.#NHLDraft | #MeettheFuture pic.twitter.com/Bi4npBOzck
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) July 1, 2024
