The Chicago Blackhawks are bringing back a familiar face, signing Dylan Sikura to a one-year, two-way contract worth $750K at the NHL level. The deal will pay him a whopping $500K as an AHL salary and includes a minor league guarantee of $550K.
Sikura, 27, was one of the very best players in the AHL last season, scoring 73 points in 60 games with the Colorado Eagles. Scoring at the minor league level has never been a problem for the Northeastern University product, it’s that pesky transition to the NHL that has caused him problems.
In 58 games at the highest level, most of them coming with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018-19, Sikura has just three goals. That would be fine for a big, physical winger who can contribute in other ways, but the slight-framed Sikura has to be producing offense to really be a helpful player.
It will be interesting to see if he gets an extended look with the Blackhawks, given the depleted roster, or spends another year in the minor leagues with the Rockford IceHogs. At the very least, he will probably get some games after the trade deadline, when the Blackhawks will probably be sellers.
Hawks finally get a 1st line player…for Rockford. Bold strategy of tanking and focusing your efforts on winning the Calder Cup.
… and not a thing wrong with that.
Guess he wasn’t lame enough the first time.