Blackhawks forward prospect Aidan Thompson enjoyed an excellent junior year at the University of Denver, and he’s ready to turn pro.
The Hawks signed Thompson, a relatively old prospect at 23, on Saturday to a two-year, entry-level contract that kicks in next season. He’ll finish out this season on an AHL tryout contract in Rockford.
Thompson’s college season ended Thursday with Denver’s loss to Western Michigan in the Frozen Four. He becomes the fourth college player to sign with the Hawks in the last few weeks. Boston University forward Ryan Greene might become the fifth on Sunday.
The Hawks took Thompson in the third round in 2022, the third year he was eligible for the draft. But he largely flew under the radar until this season. Thompson broke out for 55 points in 44 games with Denver, making him the second-leading scorer in the NCAA.
“He’s getting a great opportunity at Denver and taking advantage of it,” Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in February. “His production has been outstanding. . . . He’s getting closer to the net, and he’s getting more into those scoring areas.”
At 5-11 and 180 pounds, Thompson is on the smaller side, but he showed more strength and stamina this season. His shot noticeably improved, too.
Considering his age, he’ll be expected to produce at a decent clip in the AHL next season. He has work left to do to prove he has NHL upside — and what that upside is.
James’ mystery
Minnesota-Duluth senior forward Dominic James is another Hawks college prospect on the older side who enjoyed a breakout season. His path, however, has taken a surprising turn.
Duluth’s season ended March 15, but James still hasn’t signed a contract with the Hawks. The Athletic reported Friday that a two-year, entry-level contract has been on the table, but James hasn’t accepted it.
That’s worrying news because the Hawks’ rights to James expire in August, and he would become an unrestricted free agent.
It’s a strange situation, considering James said in February that he planned to sign with the Hawks at the end of the season. He praised their hands-on developmental approach, saying they “treat you like a pro in college.”
When college players wait out their draft rights, it’s often because they believe their path to the NHL will be easier — or faster — with a different organization. Given the Hawks’ abundance of prospects, it’s possible that’s an issue here, but James’ personal motivations are unclear. He didn’t respond to a text message Saturday.
A sixth-round pick in 2022, he bounced back from a shoulder injury that cost him almost all of the 2023-24 season to lead Duluth with 30 points in 35 games this season.
Finales
Retiring forward Pat Maroon played his 848th and last NHL game against the Jets. He’ll be a scratch for the last two away games against the Canadiens and Senators.
“It sank in last night,” Maroon said Saturday morning. “You sit there and think about it a lot: the good times, the bad times, the adversity you go through and [the] emotions. . . . The thing I’ve been thinking about the most is just going to dinners with the guys. That’s something I’ll miss a lot.”
The Chicago chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association nominated Maroon for the Masterton Trophy to recognize his perseverance and dedication to hockey.
Defenseman Alec Martinez also announced he’s retiring, and the game Saturday was his last, as well.