The Chicago Blackhawks have signed prospect Jakub Galvas to a two-year entry-level contract that will begin in the 2021-22 season. The deal carries an average annual value of $867,500 and keeps Galvas from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Had Chicago not signed him by June 1, he would have hit the open market.
Galvas, 21, was originally selected 150th overall in 2017, but his game has come a long way since then. The Czech defenseman suited up twice for his country at the World Juniors and transitioned to the Finnish Liiga in 2019, taking on tougher competition and faring admirably. Though he will never overcome his size deficiencies—Galvas measures in at 5’11” 161-lbs—he’s learned to navigate professional hockey as a small player and use his elusiveness to his advantage. In 47 games with Jukurit this season he registered 11 points.
It’s hard to know if he will ever be able to handle the grind of an NHL game, but Chicago at least believes that he was worthy of an entry-level deal. He’ll join a growing list of young defensemen in the Blackhawks system that must battle for playing time in the coming years.