Finally, the University of North Dakota Hockey has solidified their roster. The final piece of the puzzle has been placed. Today, the UND received news that forward Nick Schmaltz has signed a professional contract and will forego his final two seasons of college eligibility. Moving forward, there “shouldn’t” be any more departures.While UND has lost five underclassmen during the offseason, they should still contend for a league title and a NCAA tourney berth.
Chris Hine, Chicago Tribune — When the Blackhawks open next season, they will have one of their recent top draft picks fighting for a roster spot.
Center Nick Schmaltz, a first-round pick in 2014, agreed to a three-year, entry-level deal with the Hawks on Saturday, a source told the Tribune.The source added that Teuvo Teravainen‘s recent trade to the Hurricanes helped push Schmaltz to leave North Dakota early. Both are playmaking forwards with scoring upside listed at 5-foot-11.With Teravainen gone and the Hawks looking for young, cheap talent to fill out next season’s roster, Schmaltz, one of the Hawks’ top prospects, can compete for a roster spot right away.
UND fans were hoping Schmaltz would return to UND this season. I like many UND fans were looking forward to the prospect of having Tyson Jost, Brock Boeser and Schmaltz on the same forward line. Nonetheless, that option will not come to fruition.
Source says the Blackhawks have signed North Dakota F Nick Schmaltz. No contract details yet.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) June 19, 2016
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