Blackhawks to lose another prospect as Jack Pridham refuses to sign – Hockey Writers – Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are in danger of losing hope going forward, as Jack Pridham, as of May 31, has not signed his entry level contract (ELC) with the organization.

This is not the first time they have found themselves in this situation, as last year, at this time, Dominic James had his foot out the door. James, a sixth-round pick in 2022 who far exceeded expectations when he was a prospect, attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth. James, the year he was supposed to sign his ELC, decided he didn’t want to sign with the Blackhawks, and on July 1, he became a free agent and signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning instead. Pridham’s situation is different, however.

Pridham’s Impressive Run So Far

Pridham was selected in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft by Chicago. Entering the draft, he was considered a power skater with great speed, fitting the bill for what general manager Kyle Davidson is trying to build for the future, with the 2022 selection of Frank Nazar and the 2023 selection of Oliver Moore.

Pridham, a year after being drafted for the 2024-25 season, tallied 54 points in 48 games with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). That was enough to turn heads in his direction, and perhaps create the dream program that got him into it. However, he did not reach his full potential last season.

This past season, Priadham put 46 goals and 44 assists on the board, adding 90 points in 65 games played. In addition, he led the Rangers to the OHL Playoffs as he won the J. Ross Robertson Cup (OHL Championship) by sweeping the Barrie Colts in four games. In that run, he scored 17 points in 18 games, proving he’s no slouch in the big leagues, along with teammate Sam O’Reilly. The Rangers will meet the Western Hockey League (WHL) champions, the Everett Silvertips, in the Memorial Cup finals on May 31. Pridham has proven to be an impressive player and looks set to do more.

Where the Blackhawks and Pridham Stand

Pridham has yet to sign an ELC with the Blackhawks. If he doesn’t sign by June 1, which is very likely, he will no longer be a part of the Blackhawks organization, and they will lose his rights. Instead of signing, there are many chances that he will re-enter the draft under the new rules and be re-written a second time. It will be the first time that this incident has happened.

This will be the second prospect with a typically high ceiling that the Blackhawks will lose in a year. James, after being acquired by Tampa Bay, started the 2025-26 season with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL), but he did not stay long there, as he spent only four games there. He played 43 games in the NHL and had 15 points, and in the playoffs, he put three points on the stat sheet in seven games, including a big goal in Game 5 and even one point.