Blackhawks News: University of Denver Star, Aidan Thompson, Heads to NHL

There won't be a third national championship in four years for the University of Denver, but for star forward Aidan Thompson, the heartbreak of losing in double-overtime in the Frozen Four semi-finals has quickly turned to the prospects of a bright future.

Thompson has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, after his breakout season with the Pioneers.

hi Aidan👋

Thompson agrees to terms📰 ➡︎ https://t.co/S41yJvtZII pic.twitter.com/SHN9CH0tKc
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 12, 2025

Thompson was the Hawks' third-round pick (90th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, and after a breakout year at Denver, it was time to turn pro.

The 23-year-old, in his third season with the Pioneers, had 21 goals and 34 assists for 55 points in 44 games, along with a plus/minus rating of +16. His 34 helpers ranked 3rd in the NCAA, while he was 2nd in the nation with his 55 points.

Overall, he compiled 117 points in 120 NCAA games over three seasons.

The left-shot center is an elite playmaker who also boasts a good shot, and is looked at as having a future of a solid potential middle-six center in the NHL.

“Obviously we like to see the development, improvement from year to year,” Blackhawks assistant general manager of player development Mark Eaton told The Athletic earlier this season. “It’s a great thing to see."

Thompson will join the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League on a PTO (professional tryout contract) for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.