The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Tyler Motte to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday. The contract will begin with the 2016-17 season.
The 5-foot-9 forward was a 2013 4th round (121st overall) pick for the Blackhawks.
He had an outstanding junior season as a part of the vaunted “CCM” line for Michigan. That line finished first, second and third in scoring nationwide.
Motte completed the year second in goals (32) and third in points (56) among all collegiate players. That represents a huge leap forward from his sophomore season when he scored nine goals (for the second year in a row) and 31 points.
He was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, but was not a part of the Hobey Hat Trick. Linemate Kyle Conner is a part of the Hobey Hat Trick and could be named the second straight freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award — following Jack Eichel — when the winner is unveiled at the Frozen Four over the weekend.