The Blackhawks have signed forward Martin Misiak to a three-year entry-level contract, per a team announcement. His deal will count as $878.3K against the cap and keep him in the Hawks’ system through at least 2027.
Misiak, still just 19, was the last of three second-round selections Chicago made in last year’s draft at 55th overall. The stocky Slovak winger spent this season south of the border with the OHL’s Erie Otters, finishing sixth on the team in scoring with 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in 60 games with a -14 rating.
He wasn’t drafted out of the OHL, though, meaning the NHL-CHL transfer agreement doesn’t apply to him, and he can be assigned to AHL Rockford full-time next season without issue. He split his draft year between HC Nove Zamky in the Slovak Extraliga and the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, leaving his home country midseason to make his North American junior debut.
It was somewhat of a rocky post-draft year for Misiak, who many viewed as a third- or fourth-round pick instead of a second-round selection. He did make his professional debut on a tryout contract with Rockford to end the season, posting a shot on goal in a 3-2 overtime win on April 21. He also represented his country at the 2024 World Juniors, posting three assists and a -4 rating in five games.
The 6’1″ sniper will attempt to fit in as one of the younger players in the Rockford lineup next season, turning 20 during training camp. He becomes the 30th player under contract for Chicago next season and will be a restricted free agent when his deal expires.
The Blackhawks compare Martin Misiak to Brandon Saad. If he’s a bust like implied the Blackhawks are loaded with other prospects.