One of the Blackhawks most intriguing prospects is on his way to Chicago.
Dylan Sikura’s college career ended on Saturday when Northeastern lost 3-2 to Michigan in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Per a report from Chicago Sun-Times’ reporter Mark Lazerus on Saturday, Sikura was expected to sign an NHL contract and suit up for Chicago’s game versus Winnipeg on Thursday. On Sunday, it was made official.
Signed on!
Forward Dylan Sikura has inked a 2-year contract with the #Blackhawks! Sikura will wear No. 95 and will report to Chicago. pic.twitter.com/eYbdGUdDGC
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 25, 2018
Sikura was a sixth-round pick of the Hawks (178th overall) in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, but started turning heads with strong performances at Northeastern and at the annual Blackhawks prospect camp. He had a stellar senior season for Northeastern, scoring 20 goals with 32 assists while leading the nation with 13 power play goals.
He added a power play goal during Northeastern’s game against Michigan, too:
WE. ARE. TIED!!
Northeastern’s Power Play sets up a sweet one-timer for Dylan Sikura to knot it at 1 in the 2nd. #NCAAHockey pic.twitter.com/UmAIdiGGS5
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 24, 2018
As recently as February, Sikura was publicly non-committal on his hockey future, although general manager Stan Bowman remained adamant that the team was going to sign him as soon as the college season ended.
Stan Bowman on whether or not #Blackhawks expect to sign Dylan Sikura after his collegiate season ends: “Yes, we do. Absolutely.” #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) February 9, 2018
And Bowman was right, with the signing of Sikura adding another offensive weapon with plenty of skill to the Hawks roster.