GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota forward Nick Schmaltz signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, forgoing the final two years of his collegiate eligibility. Schmaltz was taken by Chicago in the first round (20th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. 

Schmaltz enjoyed a breakthrough season individually in 2015-16 while leading the Fighting Hawks to the program's eighth NCAA championship. The Verona, Wis., native racked up 11 goals and 35 assists for 46 points – all career highs – and registered a plus-44 rating. He ranked fifth nationally in assists and third in plus/minus, behind only linemates Drake Caggiula (+46) and Brock Boeser (+45). 

His goal in the final minute of regulation against Denver in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinal was the game-winner and sent UND to the national championship game. Earlier in the season, Schmaltz was named an All-National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) honorable mention. 

As a freshman in 2014-15, Schmaltz earned NCHC All-Rookie Team honors after collecting five goals and 21 assists in 38 games. 

Schmaltz became the sixth member of UND's national championship team to sign an NHL contract since the end of the season, joining senior forward Caggiula (Edmonton), junior center Luke Johnson (Chicago) and junior defensemen Paul LaDue (Los Angeles), Troy Stecher (Vancouver) and Keaton Thompson (Anaheim). His older brother, Jordan, recently completed his first professional season in the St. Louis Blues organization after a three-year career at UND.

Schmaltz's Career Statistics: