The Chicago Blackhawks signed forward prospect Nathan Noel to a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday. The contract begins next season and runs through the 2019-2020 season.
Noel, 19, is currently in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League semifinals for Saint John with fellow prospect Matthew Highmore, who signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent in March. Noel has six assists in 12 playoff games for the Sea Dogs after recording 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 52 regular-season games this season. The Sea Dogs are currently tied 2-2 in the series, and will play Game 5 on Friday.