Chicago Blackhawks trade Jack Pridham rights to Tampa Bay Lightning before NHL signing deadline

The Chicago Blackhawks have dealt the rights to forward Jack Pridham to the Tampa Bay Lightning before a key NHL signing deadline. The deal provides Chicago with future draft compensation, while Tampa Bay gets the rights to a promising young prospect. The deal was one of the latest NHL updates to immediately catch the league’s eye.

The deal comes as teams continue to make roster and prospect decisions ahead of key offseason deadlines. Jack Pridham liked what he saw in junior hockey, and the Tampa Bay Lightning decided they weren't going to wait until the deadline passed.

Jack Pridham NHL trade between Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning finalized

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to the Chicago Blackhawks for the rights to Jack Pridham.

Pridham, 20, is a forward and was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Chicago traded its rights to avoid the possibility of losing the player for nothing. The Lightning also get exclusive NHL rights to a prospect regarded as a long-term development option.

The trade happened right before a crucial signing deadline, giving the Lightning control of Pridham’s future while adding another young player to their prospect pool.

Jack Pridham was traded by the Chicago Blackhawks because he was not expected to sign with the organization by the deadline.

If Pridham continues to develop in the way he has, he could be a major part of the long-term Tampa Bay Lightning pipeline of prospects.

The forward had a breakout season last season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers, posting impressive offensive numbers and seeing his profile rise significantly with NHL evaluators. His development makes him a tantalising option even if he wasn’t projected to make the jump to the NHL immediately.

This trade is a reminder of how teams handle prospect rights and future assets strategically, as we continue our NHL news roundup discussions throughout the offseason.

Stay updated with the IPL 2026 Final between RCB and GT on Times of India. Follow live match updates, the latest IPL news, full IPL schedule, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap