Bulldogs’ Vanacker signs with Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Marek Vanacker on a three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2026-27 season ($975,000 salary cap hit).

Vanacker, 18, posted regular-season career highs in games played (68), goals (36), assists (46) and points (82) with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2023-24 campaign. His 36 goals and 82 points each led all Brantford skaters, while his 46 assists ranked second on the club. He also posted seven points (3G, 4A) in six OHL postseason games in 2023-24. His four assists and seven points each shared second among all team skaters.

A native of Delhi, Ont., Vanacker has competed in 123 OHL regular-season games with the Bulldogs from 2022-24, totaling 98 points (40G, 58A). He has also made two trips to the OHL Playoffs, compiling seven points (3G, 4A) in 12 games. Internationally, Vanacker helped Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, recording one goal in six games.

The 6-foot-1, 178-pound forward was originally drafted by the Blackhawks in the first round (27th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft.

Expect @NHLBlackhawks prospect Marek Vanacker of the @BulldogsOHL to be one of the #OHL's top offensive threats in 2024-25 🎥 pic.twitter.com/sdoQwRXpjg

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) July 23, 2024