Chicago Blackhawks’ 2020 third-round draft pick will have to fight to make the roster this fall

The Chicago Blackhawks’ roster will be a harder one to make out of camp this fall compared to the previous few seasons. General manager Kyle Davidson had the right idea in mind last summer when he brought in a handful of veterans in free agency to have more NHL-level talent ready to roll on opening night. This didn’t change where the team finished in the league standings from the previous year, as the Blackhawks ended the most recent campaign 31st in points.

One difference in the last two seasons is how this most recent one came to a close. More young talent in the organization’s prospect pool signed their entry-level contracts within the final five weeks of the season, and the energy immediately shifted on the ice. The pace in which the group played with the end the year was much different to what fans have been used to seeing over the past few years.

All of these entry-level deals will create for interesting optional battles in certain spots at camp this fall. A few young players could be on the cusp of making the roster to begin the season, and one of those guys was a 2020 third-round draft pick.

Landon Slaggert could start next season in Rockford

Landon Slaggert signed his entry-level contract toward the end of last season and played in 16 games at the NHL level. The forward collected his first career goal in that stretch to pair with three assists before entering his first full offseason as a professional. Slaggert began the fall in Rockford and spent most of the season down there. The Notre Dame product played in just 33 games with the Blackhawks this past season, and posted two goals to pair with his four assists.

Slaggert spent most of his NHL ice time this past year as a bottom-six forward, which is likely his ceiling as a pro. He didn’t contribute much in the scoring department, and even had a drought of over 20 games where he did not register a point. With the organization potentially bringing in more free agents to add to the team’s forward depth this summer, Slaggert will be in a tough position to make the opening night roster.

The Chicago Blackhawks need to figure out a role for Landon Slaggert

Slaggert played fine at the AHL level last season, and that might be the vision that the front office has for him down the road. He would serve as good depth in Rockford for the organization, and they would know what to expect from him if he is needed to come up in a pinch.

The 22-year-old is under contract with the Blackhawks through the 2026-27 season, so they still have a couple of years to come to a consensus of what they think he can do for them long term. Slaggert had 10 goals and 15 assists in 39 games for the Rockford IceHogs this past season.