Blackhawks sign Czech F David Kampf to 2-year contract
The Chicago Blackhawks have dipped into the European free-agent pool, signing Czech forward David Kampf to a two-year deal, the club announced Tuesday.
Welcome to Chicago!
- Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 2, 2017
Czech forward David Kampf has signed a 2-year deal with the #Blackhawks through the 2018-19 season. pic.twitter.com/HPrk4z0h9Y
Kampf, 22, enjoyed a breakout season in the Czech Extraliga (the top league in the country), scoring 15 goals and adding 16 assists in 52 games with Chomutov Pirati. He also contributed 10 points in 15 postseason games.
Kampf is listed at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, shoots left, and plays right wing.
The Blackhawks have had success plucking undrafted European free agents, such as Artemi Panarin, but don't expect the same kind of immediate impact.
Kampf will likely begin 2017-18 in the AHL, but with a strong showing in Rockford, he could easily earn his way onto the big club - potentially into a top-six role, where the Blackhawks have some holes.
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