Luke Johnson is turning pro.
The Chicago Blackhawks signed its 2013 fifth-round pick and North Dakota junior forward to a three-year entry-level contract Friday.
The Grand Forks, North Dakota native did not play in the national title game for North Dakota due to a left knee injury he suffered against Denver in the semifinal. Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald says he hasn’t heard any updates on Johnson’s injury, but that the rising senior hasn’t had any surgeries. Johnson wore a large brace on his knee while watching his teammates win the national title and had it on during the celebration tour later that week in Grand Forks.
Prior to joining to the injury, Johnson had played in all 127 games during his career at UND and 164 straight games dating back to his final year of junior hockey with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. The last game he missed was Jan. 12, 2013. He scored two goals in the national tournament, including the eventual game-winner against Northeastern in the opening round. He tallied 11 goals and 10 assists in 42 games during his junior season at UND.
Johnson is the fourth player the Hawks have signed from their 2013 draft class, joining first-rounder Ryan Hartman, Robin Norell and Tyler Motte, who left Michigan last month to sign.
Johnson joins Motte, Adam Clendening, Vincent Hinostroza, Nick Leddy and Dylan Olsen as Hawks prospects to sign before their senior collegiate season in the past six years.