Blackhawks sign AJ Spellacy to entry-level contract

On Thursday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that they have signed forward AJ Spellacy to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal, which kicks in immediately, has a cap hit of $975,000 through the end of the 2026-27 season.

Spellacy was taken by the Blackhawks in the third round, 72nd overall, in this past year’s NHL Draft. The Westlake, Ohio native has some substantial agility, making a very dynamic player on the rush, with the ability to play both wing and center. He has the tools to develop into an efficient two-way forward, as scouts like the young man’s effort at both ends of the rink.

The 18-year-old is in the middle of his third season with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. Last season, he set career highs in goals (21), assists (17) and points (38) in 67 games played. Spellacy has been impressive this season on an improved Spits squad. One of the team’s alternate captains has notched 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 40 games and is on pace to exceed last year’s point total.

Along with his junior career, Spellacy has had the chance to represent his country on the international stage. The former Cleveland Barons AAA product played for the United States at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, registering an assist in five games, as the Americans took home the bronze.

Spellacy is part of a prospect group that has future stars like defenseman Artyom Levshunov and forward Oliver Moore waiting in the wings to go big, with guys like Marek Vanachker and Landon Slaggert having the potential to make the main roster, hoping to turn the struggling franchise in the right direction.

The current Blackhawks (15-28-4) are battling with the San Jose Sharks for the worst record in the NHL. Chicago is at the bottom of the Central, tied with the Sharks for the fewest points in the league (34).