Earlier today, the Chicago Blackhawks traded the signing rights of Jack Pridham to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2027.
Pridham, who is 20 years old, had a stellar season with the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he scored 46 goals and added 44 assists for 90 points through 65 games. On top of being the champions of the OHL, the Rangers were able to secure the CHL Memorial Cup, defeating the Everett Silvertips in the final.
In the playoffs, Pridham scored two goals and added 15 assists for 17 points through 18 games. In the Memorial Cup tournament, he scored five goals and added four assists for nine points through four games.
Now, with fans wondering what was next for him, it seems as though that decision has been made, with a report from Cam Robinson that Pridham will be signing with the University of Denver in the NCAA.
Sounds like Jack Pridham will land with the University of Denver.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) June 1, 2026
There were reports over the last couple of days that the Blackhawks would lose the rights to Pridham, who drafted him in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft at 92nd overall, as he wasn’t expected to sign a deal with them before his rights expired.
Goes without saying at this point, but told Jack Pridham will not be signing with the Blackhawks ahead of tomorrow's June 1 deadline.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 1, 2026
Ahead of the deadline, the Blackhawks were able to move him and get an asset back in return, and now, he commits to playing in the NCAA for the 2026-27 season.
As the 2025-26 postseason moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.
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