The Chicago Blackhawks have made their first four cuts from training camp, sending Marek Vanacker, Martin Misiak, Alex Pharand, and Ty Henry back to the OHL for further development this season.
Vanacker, the Blackhawks’ 27th overall pick in this year’s draft, signed his entry-level contract on August 5. The 18-year-old winger finished his second OHL season with the Brantford Bulldogs, scoring 36 goals and totaling 82 points in 68 games. He also represented Canada at the U18 World Junior Championship last season. The team hopes he can continue to improve before making the leap to professional play.
Misiak was selected in the second round (55th overall) in 2023. After transitioning from Slovakia and the USHL to the OHL, he scored 23 goals and 47 points in 60 games for the Erie Otters last season. He briefly played one game for the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs but will return to Erie for another season before going pro.
Pharand, a fourth-round pick (99th overall) in 2023, attended training camp despite being unsigned. He has been sent back to the Sudbury Wolves for his fourth OHL season, having recorded 17 goals and 30 points in 68 games last season. He’ll need to improve this year to secure an entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.
With these cuts, the Blackhawks’ training camp roster is now down to 49 players, comprising 29 forwards, 14 defensemen, and 6 goalies.