Nick Schmaltz Leaves School for Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed University of North Dakota forward Nick Schmaltz to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.

Schmaltz was a part of a dynamic top line for the Fighting Hawks, helping lead the team to a 2016 National Championship over the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Along with Brock Boeser and Drake Caggiula, they were one of the nation’s most productive lines.

Schmaltz’s 35 assists ranked fifth in the nation, while his 46 points had him tied for 17th in the nation with, among others, Hobey Baker-winner Jimmy Vesey.

He’ll be exiting North Dakota after just two years in the program, through which he posted 16 goals and 72 points in 75 games.

Brock Boeser, the freshman standout on a line with Schmaltz, will return to North Dakota next season, while Caggiula, a senior and un-drafted free agent, has signed with the Edmonton Oilers.