Blackhawks Signed Forward Oliver Moore to Extension
The 21-year-old forward secured a five-year, $21.25 million contract with the team.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hockey
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The Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Oliver Moore to a five-year contract extension worth $21.25 million. The deal carries an average annual value of $4.25 million and takes effect during the 2027-28 campaign.
Why it matters
The extension secures a key member of the Blackhawks' young core for the long term, preventing Moore from becoming a restricted free agent after the upcoming season.
Moore recorded 19 points across 51 games during his 2025-26 season. His new deal increases his average annual value from the previous $950,000 to $4.25 million.
The players
Oliver Moore
A 21-year-old forward who was the 19th overall pick by Chicago in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Chicago Blackhawks
A professional ice hockey team based in Chicago that competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
Selected 19th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Moore debuted with the club on March 30, 2025. He notched his first professional goal on November 9, 2025, and continues to be a staple in the team's forward rotation.
Timeline
The Blackhawks selected Moore in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Moore made his professional debut on March 30, 2025.
He scored his first NHL goal on November 9, 2025.
The contract was signed on September 24, 2026.
The new deal begins in the 2027-28 season.
Season Trajectory
This deal anchors Moore into the long-term roster alongside other rising stars in Chicago's rebuild. It stabilizes the forward group as the team prepares to open the regular season next Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
By signing this extension before the start of the season, the Blackhawks avoid a potentially costly restricted free agency negotiation next summer. The deal locks in Moore at a $4.25 million cap hit, providing clear salary cap certainty for the organization through 2032.
The takeaway
Securing young players to long-term deals early is a common maneuver for rebuilding teams looking to avoid future salary cap volatility. Fans should monitor how this commitment impacts the team's flexibility to pursue veteran additions in coming offseasons.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit the Hockey section.
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