The Chicago Blackhawks signed 2022 first-round pick Kevin Korchinski to an entry-level contract on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old defenseman, the No. 7 overall selection, inked a three-year deal with a $950,000 salary cap hit.

Signed, sealed, delivered – he’s ours! pic.twitter.com/lWySX6g3Af

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 10, 2022

“Signing Kevin is an exciting moment and another step in us building organizational depth,” general manager Kyle Davidson said in a news release. “We knew that we wanted Kevin to be a big part of this team’s future, so we’re happy to have him within our system, developing in this early part of his professional career. His confidence and positive attitude paired with his size will be assets as he continues to grow his game in the WHL this upcoming season.”

From Saskatchewan, Korchinski plays for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League. He registered 65 points (four goals, 61 assists) in 67 games there last season.

–Field Level Media