--- title: "Blackhawks Ink AHL Standouts Boucher, Mylymok" description: "Undrafted forwards earn one-year contracts after gritty seasons with Rockford IceHogs, adding muscle to a rebuilding roster." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/blackhawks-sign-boucher-mylymok-to-one-year-contracts-5f7a9ae0 published: 2026-07-03T07:55:04.469+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T07:55:04.469+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Blackhawks Ink AHL Standouts Boucher, Mylymok > Undrafted forwards earn one-year contracts after gritty seasons with Rockford IceHogs, adding muscle to a rebuilding roster. The Chicago Blackhawks have rewarded undrafted grit by signing forwards Dillon Boucher and Connor Mylymok to one-year, two-way NHL contracts, giving the Rockford IceHogs standouts their first shot at the highest level. Both players secured deals carrying an $850K cap hit, a direct result of their physical play and standout performance in the AHL this past season. Boucher and Mylymok spent the year grinding for the IceHogs, establishing themselves as reliable depth options who bring necessary muscle to a rebuilding Blackhawks roster. These signings signal a clear intent from Chicago's front office to bolster organizational depth by prioritizing internal development and toughness over external splashes. The two-way nature of the contracts ensures the Blackhawks retain flexibility, allowing the players to shuttle between Rockford and Chicago as needed throughout the campaign. While specific quotes from the players or management were not detailed in the announcement, the move speaks volumes about the organization's evaluation process. By elevating undrafted players who excelled in a bottom-six role, Chicago is doubling down on a culture that rewards hard work and physical engagement over pedigree. The decision highlights the success of the development pipeline in Rockford, turning overlooked prospects into viable NHL assets. Boucher and Mylymok will likely enter training camp with a chip on their shoulder, competing for bottom-six roster spots. Their presence adds competition to the lineup, forcing other forwards to elevate their game to secure a spot on the opening night roster. The contracts reflect a broader trend in the NHL, where undrafted players are increasingly carving out NHL careers through sheer performance. Chicago’s willingness to bet on internal development contrasts with the league’s growing reliance on splashy free-agent signings, underscoring the Blackhawks’ long-term rebuild philosophy. With the salary cap tightening, such moves offer a cost-effective way to infuse the roster with proven AHL performers who can step in if injuries strike or prospects need more seasoning. For Boucher and Mylymok, the contracts are a career-defining opportunity. Neither player was selected in the NHL Draft, and both spent years in the AHL grinding for minutes and production. Their elevation to the NHL level validates the Rockford system’s ability to develop NHL-ready talent, proving that success in the minors can translate to tangible opportunities at the highest level. While the Blackhawks’ roster remains in flux, these signings send a clear message to the organization and the fanbase: Chicago is committed to building through the system rather than relying solely on high-priced free agents or top draft picks. The move aligns with the front office’s stated goal of creating a deeper, more resilient roster capable of competing in the Central Division without overcommitting to long-term financial risks. ## Why this matters Signing undrafted free agents like Boucher and Mylymok represents a low-risk, high-reward strategy for a rebuilding franchise. These deals inject essential grit and depth into the lineup without crippling the salary cap, allowing the Blackhawks to remain competitive while they develop their high-end prospects. It validates the AHL system's ability to produce NHL-ready talent and sends a message to the locker room that performance outweighs draft status. In an era where cap constraints force teams to find value in overlooked players, Chicago’s approach demonstrates how internal development can supplement a roster without breaking the bank. ## Frequently asked ### Who did the Blackhawks sign? Chicago signed forwards Dillon Boucher and Connor Mylymok to one-year, two-way NHL contracts. ### What are the financial terms of the deals? Both Boucher and Mylymok signed one-year, two-way contracts worth $850K against the salary cap. ### Where did Boucher and Mylymok play last season? Both players spent the season with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. ### What attributes do these players bring? The forwards are known for their grit, physicality, and standout play in the AHL, adding muscle to the Blackhawks roster. ### How does this fit into Chicago’s rebuild? The signings reflect Chicago’s emphasis on internal development and cost-controlled roster building, prioritizing AHL-tested talent over high-priced free agents. ### What’s next for Boucher and Mylymok? Both players will attend training camp and compete for bottom-six roster spots, with the potential to earn NHL time early in the season. ## Sources & Citations - [Blackhawks sign Boucher, Mylymok to one-year contracts](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/chicago-blackhawks-sign-dillon-boucher-connor-mylymok-one-year-two-way-contracts-nhl-ahl-rockford-icehogs) — Daily Faceoff (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Blackhawks Ink AHL Standouts Boucher, Mylymok. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/blackhawks-sign-boucher-mylymok-to-one-year-contracts-5f7a9ae0