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Chicago extends 24 year old goalie to $17 million deal | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 14:11 GMT by Sporting News
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Chicago Blackhawks Secure 24‑Year‑Old Netminder with a $17 Million, Three‑Year Extension

In a move that signals the Blackhawks’ intent to build a stable core around a young, dependable presence between the pipes, the franchise announced on Friday that it has signed its 24‑year‑old goaltender to a three‑year, $17 million contract. The deal—valued at an average annual salary of roughly $5.67 million—carries a $4.5 million cap hit for the 2024‑25 season and represents a significant vote of confidence from the organization.

A Deal That Reflects Confidence in a Rising Star

The extension follows a breakout 2023‑24 campaign in which the Blackhawks’ young netminder posted a 24‑win, 11‑loss record, a 2.33 goals‑against average (GAA), and a .924 save percentage. Those numbers ranked among the best in the league and earned him a spot on the NHL’s All‑Rookie Team in 2022. The Blackhawks, who have long been in a rebuilding phase, see the goaltender as the anchor around which the remainder of the roster can be constructed.

“We’ve been following his development for years,” said GM Andrew Cogliano. “He’s matured into a professional, shows a calm, resilient demeanor on the ice, and his statistical production tells us he’s ready to be the face of our franchise.” The contract also includes a player option for the final season, giving the goalie the flexibility to test free agency if he feels the time is right.

The Contract in Context

When the Blackhawks first signed the goalie in 2021 to a three‑year, $8.4 million deal, the $2.8 million per year cap hit was considered a risk for a young, unproven netminder. The extension more than doubles that figure, yet still sits well below the cap ceiling and the average salary of established NHL goalies. Compared to other recent signings, the extension is modest: the Toronto Maple Leafs committed $24 million over four years to 24‑year‑old goaltender Jake Lacy, while the Vegas Golden Knights inked a 3‑year, $15 million contract with 25‑year‑old netminder Jordan Binnington.

“The Blackhawks are investing in a player who has shown flashes of brilliance at a level that suggests he could be a franchise‑building goaltender,” noted former goalie and current analyst Dan Rusanowski. “It’s a strategic move—give him the tools and stability he needs to refine his game while we assemble the surrounding talent.”

Career Highlights and Development

The goalie’s journey to Chicago began in the Czech Republic, where he played for HC Dukla Jihlava before being drafted 30th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Blackhawks. He spent the first few seasons in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, refining his technique under the guidance of veteran netminder Tomáš Vokoun. He made his NHL debut in the 2018‑19 season and earned his first career shutout in January 2020.

Over his four full NHL seasons, he has compiled a 66‑win record, a 2.65 GAA, and a .918 save percentage. While his rookie season was modest, the 2022‑23 campaign saw him net 18 wins and lead the team in saves. His breakout season in 2023‑24 has put him on the radar for a potential Vezina Trophy nomination, should the team continue to bolster its offensive and defensive structures.

Implications for the Blackhawks’ Future

The extension marks the Blackhawks’ first significant goaltending commitment in the past decade. Since the departure of veteran netminder Patrick Roy in the 1990s, the franchise has oscillated between a handful of short‑term contracts and free‑agent signings. With a long‑term extension in place for a goalie who has consistently performed above league averages, the Blackhawks can now focus on complementary acquisitions—whether that means adding a reliable defenseman, a proven winger, or a versatile forward—to create a more balanced lineup.

Head Coach Jay Woodcroft praised the extension as a “sign of the future” and expressed confidence that the goalie will continue to improve. “His ability to read the game, command the crease, and stay cool under pressure are the qualities that every Blackhawks fan wants to see,” Woodcroft said. “With this contract, he’ll have the job security to take more risks, which ultimately benefits the whole team.”

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, the Blackhawks will be scrutinizing his performance in the playoffs and evaluating whether he can step up as a true elite goaltender. The team’s coaching staff is already working on enhancing his shot‑selection and rebound control, aiming to reduce his GAA further. In the next season, the goalie will be tasked with maintaining his high save percentage while contributing to a franchise that is poised to compete for a playoff berth in the Western Conference.

With the cap hit on the team relatively modest, the Blackhawks have the flexibility to bring in a top‑line forward or an experienced defenseman in the next trade deadline, thereby complementing the goalie’s development. Meanwhile, the extension’s player option gives the goalie the chance to test the market in the 2026‑27 season if he feels the timing is right for a new challenge.

In sum, the Chicago Blackhawks’ extension of their 24‑year‑old netminder to a three‑year, $17 million contract reflects a forward‑thinking strategy—commit to a young, talented goaltender, give him the resources to flourish, and build the rest of the roster around his stability and performance. For Blackhawks fans, it’s an exciting sign that the franchise is poised to move beyond the rebuilding phase and toward sustainable competitiveness.