Blackhawks sign Jiri Felcman to 3-year ELC

Friday, March 27th — Blackhawks sign 2023 3rd round pick Jiri Felcman to a 3-year entry-level contract (RFA in 2029) with a cap hit of $996,667 at the NHL level. He was signed to an AHL contract earlier this week. The 20-year-old has played good hockey in the Swiss-A league over the past two seasons, putting up 20 points (3 goals, 17 assist) in 52 games this season. The numbers themselves aren’t crazy, but his game is so much more than putting up points.

Photo by: Chicago Blackhawks

the 6’3 center plays regular minutes in the Swiss-A league, does the small things right, and does what the coaching staff ask of him. His is strong on puck support, and is most effective in the defensive zone. Felcman is a responsible 2-way forward. He isn’t going to score at a crazy rate, but he will dish some pretty nice passes from time to time. Felcman is at his most effective in his own end.

Felcman likely has a ceiling of a 3rd line center, and is certainly an afterthought for Blackhawks fans given their loaded pipeline, But the 2-way center made big strides this season and could prove to be useful down the line. The 20 year old will likely get time in the AHL for the Rockford IceHogs well before we see him in a Blackhawks sweater.