Blackhawks sign Adam Gajan to entry-level contract
A young netminder who’s coming off an incredible season has earned himself an NHL contract.
On Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks signed goaltender Adam Gajan to a two-year, entry-level contract. The deal, set to begin next season, will carry an NHL AAV of $1.05 million through the 2027-28 campaign. In the meantime, Gajan will join the Blackhawks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on an amateur tryout.
#Blackhawks agree to terms with goaltending prospect Adam Gajan on a 2-year, entry-level contract ($1.05 million cap hit).
The signing comes just a few days after Gajan and the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament. The team was eliminated in a heartbreaking loss to the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines in the Albany Regional Final this past Sunday.
It comes at the end of what was an exceptional sophomore season for the 21-year-old. In 33 games, he posted a record of 19-13-1, with a 2.25 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and two shutouts. His play helped the Bulldogs return to prominence in the NCHC after a few down years. UMD finished fourth in the conference during the regular season, upending the likes of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks to get to the NCHC Championship Game, where they lost to the Denver Pioneers in double overtime.
It was a mightily improved campaign for Gajan, who won just seven of his 21 games during his freshman season. In 54 career games in Duluth, he delivered a record of 26-25-2, with a 2.65 GAA, a .899 SV% and three shutouts.
On top of his college experience, Gajan made a name for himself on the international stage. In 2023, he nearly led Slovakia to the semifinals at the IIHF World Junior Championship, but fell to Connor Bedard and Canada in a thrilling overtime finish. He’s represented the Slovaks at a pair of World Juniors and was on the roster that played at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, though the Poprad native didn’t see any action.
Gajan was also on the U.S. Collegiate Selects roster that played in the Spengler Cup this past December, helping the team reach the championship game, ultimately losing to host HC Davos.
Gajan was originally taken by the Blackhawks in the second round, 35th overall, of the 2023 NHL Draft. He joins a goaltending system in Chicago that features Spencer Knight and Drew Commesso, even though the former Boston University standout has had his share of struggles over the past couple of years adjusting to the pro game.