The Chicago Blackhawks have traded the draft rights of forward prospect Jack Pridham to the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of the NHL Draft deadline. This transaction occurred on Monday, with the Blackhawks receiving a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in exchange.
About Jack Pridham
Jack Pridham is a 20-year-old forward, originally drafted by the Blackhawks with the 92nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. To avoid re-entering the draft, Pridham had to commit to an NHL entry-level contract or a college program by 5 p.m. ET on the day of the trade.
Trade Details
- Trade Date: June 1, 2026
- Teams Involved: Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning
- Returned Asset: 2027 third-round draft pick
Following the trade, the Lightning announced that Pridham has committed to a college program, which is yet to be revealed. This decision allows Tampa Bay to retain his rights for an extended period.
Career Overview
Pridham was committed to Boston University when he was selected by the Blackhawks. However, he opted to transition to junior hockey instead of pursuing college. During the 2024-25 season, he shifted from the BCHL to the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL.
In his first season with Kitchener, Pridham recorded an impressive 27 goals and 27 assists over 48 games. His performance positioned him as one of the league’s standout players. He finished the recent season with 46 goals and 90 points in 65 games, making him one of the top offensive players in the OHL.
A Championship Win
This past Sunday, Pridham played a crucial role in leading the Kitchener Rangers to victory in the Memorial Cup championship. His impressive contributions were vital for the team’s success.
Rankings and Background
Scott Wheeler from The Athletic ranked Pridham as the 13th-best prospect in the Blackhawks’ system earlier this year. Additionally, he comes from a notable hockey family, being the son of Brandon Pridham, a former assistant general manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The trade of Jack Pridham marks a significant move for both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning as they develop their rosters ahead of the upcoming seasons.
