The Blackhawks are in the midst of a youth movement as the rebuild begins in earnest. One player I was disappointed wasn’t able to participate in the team’s development camp earlier in July was Jalen Luypen, who had a terrific season with the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Luypen was reportedly injured during the Oil Kings’ playoff run and wasn’t able to participate in the development camp. That hasn’t impacted the organization’s view of the 2021 seventh-round pick (No. 216 overall). The Blackhawks have signed the 20-year-old forward to an entry-level contract.
“Jalen’s overall game has made big strides over the past year, as shown by his and his team’s success last season,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in the team statement. “His strong work ethic is what we’re looking for in our prospects and that attitude is what will make a huge difference in the future.”
Luypen scored 29 goals in 66 regular-season games for Edmonton this season, a breakout campaign that saw him elevate his profile among prospects in the WHL. Listed at 5-10 and just 157 pounds, he continued his strong play with nine points in 19 postseason games.
Luypen joins Nolan Allan, Colton Dach and Ethan Del Mastro as the fourth member of the Hawks’ 2021 draft class to sign with the NHL club. And he would join Louis Crevier (2020) as the second seventh-round pick signed by general manager Kyle Davidson since taking over as GM in November.
od folks at PuckPedia are reporting dollars on the three-year deal.