The Athletic reported earlier this week that the son of Randy and Leanne Kalynuk will be signed by the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks.
He starred on the blue line for three seasons at the NCAA Division I level at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. This past season Kalynuk captained the team and earned All-Big Ten First Team, Academic All-Big Ten Team, and the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honours. He posted seven goals and 28 points in 36 games.
The smooth skating defenceman will not be eligible to play this summer if the NHL resumes its 2019-2020 season. However, he could suit up for the Blackhawks or their farm teams in a 2020-2021 campaign. The American Hockey League’s Rockford (Ill.) IceHogs are Chicago’s highest-level affiliate.
After a junior career that included time with the Virden Oil Capitals and in the United States Hockey League, Kalynuk was tabbed in the seventh round of the 2017 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. This spring Kalynuk chose to go pro. The Flyers had a 30-day window to negotiate with him. As a deal was not inked, he became a free agent.
