Photo credit: Chicago Sports TV

The Chicago Blackhawks announce their first signing of the NHL off-season

The Chicago Blackhawks organization has announced the signing of Kyle Maksimovich, to a one-year contract, he will report to the AHL.

Maksimovich is a former OHL champion, who played alongside Connor McDavid on the Erie Otters.

“Kyle had an outstanding rookie season while playing for the Indy Fuel, and we are excited to watch his development over the next season,” said IceHogs President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Mark Bernard. “He’s a terrific individual that has all of the traits we value in a player and a person.”

At 26 years of age, he is a late-bloomer to say the least. Maksimovich put up 59 points, leading his Indy Fuel team in goals and ranked second in scoring. He led the entire playoffs in scoring in five appearances.

Born in Hamilton Ontario, he spent three seasons with the University of Prince Edwards Island- and you won’t believe his point production.

At the university level, Maksimovich tallied 87 points (37G, 50A) in 78 games. He also spent five seasons in the OHL and in 2017, he captured the OHL championship alongside former Blackhawk Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome and Darren Raddysh; also played alongside McDavid in the 2014-15 OHL season.

The only way to describe this transaction is a diamond in the rough signing, well done Kyle Davidson.