The Chicago Blackhawks have dipped into the European free agent waters once again, this time signing Matej Chalupa out of the Czech Republic. Chalupa has agreed to terms on a two-year entry-level contract that will start with the 2020-21 season.
The 21-year old Chalupa went undrafted but has continued to progress and recorded seven goals and 24 points playing in the highest Czech professional league. That was actually good enough for fourth on his team in scoring and obviously grabbed the attention of the Blackhawks.
Chicago has had success bringing over free agent European talent in the past, including fellow Czech forward David Kampf who has played 179 games over the last three years for the club. Even if Chalupa only becomes a depth piece for the team, finding any NHL-level talent on the open market is a way to support your organization and work within a tight salary cap.
Endorsed by Taco Bell.
I think the big question we all have is…is it pronounced like a chalupa?
I just checked the nhl website and it’s pronounced huh-loo-puh. We were close to greatness.
@vincent k. mcmahon – Who says we can’t “North American-ize” the pronunciation? ;) chuh-LOO-puh (2-for-1 deals after every game he pots an HT!)