Blackhawks Bottom Line: Landon Slaggert Another ‘Identity Piece?’

Over the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2023-24 season. Today will be forward Landon Slaggert.

Landon Slaggert
Left Wing
Games Played: 16
(Goals – Assists – Points): 1-3-4
Contract Status: Signed through 2024-25; $912.5K AAV

The Short View

The Chicago Blackhawks signed Landon Slaggert right after his season at the University of Notre Dame came to an end. He had a hot start when he came in and ended with one goal and three assists for four points in 16 games played. It is a small sample size but it was a nice addition for a chance next season.

Getting him in there this season gave him a chance to get a head start. He isn’t as well known as some of the first-round talent that Chicago has coming in so he has to prove himself even more. These 16 games that he was given could help him with his development. Now, after that short stint, he knows what to expect coming into training camp.

The Long View

The Chicago Blackhawks gave Slaggert as much of a look as they could after signing him to his entry-level deal. He is signed through next season with a cap hit of under a million. If he plays well next season, he will earn more money which is technically a good thing for the Hawks because that means they found a good player.

There are going to be a lot of talented young players coming up with the Hawks over the next 18 months. Those that stand out will stick with the team for a long time. Slaggert has to find a way to do that over the 82-game Odyssey in 2024-25. Whether it is with his scoring, toughness, leadership, or defensive game, Slaggert needs to prove he can help the team win.

The Bottom Line for Landon Slaggert

Slaggert was a third-round pick in 2020. Some third-round picks have the potential to be big-time contributors in the NHL but they always need a little bit of seasoning. He received that in the NCAA so we’ll see what is next for his development.

There could be a stint or two ahead in the AHL before having a full-time chance in the NHL but he should be given every opportunity to succeed. He is signed for one more year making less than a million and this is his chance to do something about it.

Next season is a chance for Landon Slaggert to show where he belongs in the organization. The bottom line for him is that he needs to make a name for himself as the rebuild finishes up in the coming years and it starts with a big 2024-25 season. Whether he spends time in Rockford isn’t the point–simply look at Alex Vlasic who spent his fair share of time there–and is now a big time piece of the puzzle.

The same goes for Slaggert. As has been the case with Blackhawks youngsters in Kyle Davidson’s tenure, they’ll do what’s best for development. It won’t be any different here whether it’s in Chicago full time or with a trip back to Rockford.