The Chicago Blackhawks signed their third first-round draft pick of 2024, forward Marek Vanacker, to three-year, entry-level contract on Monday that runs through the 2026-27 season and has a $975,000 salary cap hit. Marek Vanacker, Chicago's third first-round draft pick in 2024 [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3ODkxNjI1MzM3MTY5MjE2/2022_chl_f21_pg99_crd_fd34_vanacker.png] Marek Vanacker, Chicago's third first-round draft pick in 2024 Vanacker is expected to return to his junior team, the OHL Brantford Bulldogs, in December after he recovers from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound native of Delhi, Ontario played much of the 2023-24 season, his second in the OHL, with the injury. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson swung a draft-floor deal with the Carolina Hurricanes to secure the 27th selection overall in 2024 with Vanacker in mind. Davidson scouted Vanacker several times and was impressed with the forward's consistent work ethic and grit. The Chicago GM believes those characteristics will translate to success as a pro. See the following video. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson likes Marek Vanacker because he's hard-nosed and a hard worker. See our exclusive full feature and coverage of Vanacker in the following link. The Blackhawks also selected defenseman Artyom Levshunov at No. 2 and forward Sacha Boisvert at No. 18 in the 2024 first round. Levshunov has signed and will be in 2024 training camp. Odds are the big, speedy D-man from Belarus will play at AHL Rockford this season. Boisvert will attend the University of North Dakota in 2024-24. See exclusive stories with videos in our links.
