Blackhawks sign Nick Schmaltz to entry-level deal

The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with one of their top prospects Sunday.

Nick Schmaltz has signed a three-year entry-level contract, the club announced.

In April, Stan Bowman said Nick Schmaltz is "the next rising star in our organization." #Blackhawks

- Eric Lear (@BHTVeric) June 19, 2016

Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Blackhawks' trade of Teuvo Teravainen to the Carolina Hurricanes helped Schmaltz make his decision.

Schmaltz racked up 46 points in 37 games while leading North Dakota to the national championship in his sophomore season and nearly doubling his production from his freshman year.

The 20-year-old forward also posted a point per game for the U.S. junior squad that claimed bronze at the World Junior Championship in January.

He was selected 20th overall by the Blackhawks in 2014.

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