Blackhawks' Graham Knott: Inks entry-level deal with Blackhawks

Knott signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blackhawks on Friday.

Analysis:

The Blackhawks selected Knott with the 54th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old winger was a solid contributor for the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL last season, notching 42 points (12 goals, 30 assists) over 68 regular-season games. At 6-foot-3, Knott projects to be a prototypical power forward at the next level, with a strong net-front presence and accurate shot that could eventually make him a fine addition to one of the Blackhawks' power-play units. The Ontario native still needs to put on some muscle before he'll be ready to hold his ground in front of the net against NHL players, but could be ready to contribute with the big club in 2017-18 after a full season with the Hawks' AHL affiliate in 2016-17.