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Chicago Blackhawks sign top draft pick Nolan Allan to a 3-year deal: ‘It’s great,’ the defenseman says

phil thompson, chicago tribune
·3 min read
Chicago Blackhawks sign top draft pick Nolan Allan to a 3-year deal: ‘It’s great,’ the defenseman says

The Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level deal with prospect Nolan Allan, the 32nd pick in this year’s draft.

Allan’s contract carries an $870,000 salary-cap hit through the 2023-24 season..

“It’s great,” Allan said. “It’s something I’ve been working toward a lot this summer. After getting drafted that’s the next step. Really grateful to be able to sign and get that over with.”

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound defenseman will kick off his Hawks career by playing in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase against the Minnesota Wild at TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center in St. Paul, Minn., this weekend. Second-round pick Colton Dach — the younger brother of center Kirby Dach — also will participate in the two-game exhibition.

Rockford IceHogs coach Derek King said Allan has fit in well with the other prospects in practice, but he reserves judgment until the lights are on.

“The Allan kid, he looked good out there,” King said. “I think the biggest thing with him would be after these games to see where he’s at.

“That’s when the games start tomorrow and the nerves start to hit in because everybody’s watching. The want to see the draft pick: What’s he going to bring? What can he do? These are (the reasons) why we drafted him, he’s not showing that the first shift or what have you.

“Just going to get these kids to relax and play.”

Allan said he’ll try to absorb as much as he can from the experience.

“Learn from these older guys and these guys that have been pros for a while,” he said. “Just really see what I can take from them and take back to junior to elevate my game.”

Allan said he plans to continue developing with the WHL Prince Albert Raiders, for whom he has played parts of the previous three seasons.

“I’d say I’m a solid two-way defender,” Allan told reporters after being drafted. “Skating’s a big part of my game. I like to play physical and play hard against other teams’ top forwards and shut them down.”

NHL Central Scouting ranked Allan 40th among North American skaters. The 18-year-old registered a goal and an assist while playing 16 games for the Raiders, and he put in a goal and an assist while helping Canada win the gold medal at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Junior Championship.

Stan Bowman, Blackhawks president of hockey operations and general manager, said Allan had a “really good” tournament.

“Nolan was fantastic in that tournament,” Bowman said in July. “I got a chance to go down and watch him in person. He’s that guy who brings the physical side to the game, he’s a competitive player. You notice when Nolan Allan’s on the ice.”