Blackhawks sign Boston College free-agent forward Mike Hardman

The Blackhawks added another player to their prospect pool Tuesday by signing 22-year-old forward Mike Hardman.

Hardman, a sturdy 6-3 wing who was an undrafted free agent, played at Boston College the last two seasons.

He joins the Hawks on a two-year entry-level contract with a $912,500 salary cap hit and was immediately assigned to the taxi squad. He could potentially receive NHL playing time this spring.

Hardman tallied 25 points in 34 games as a freshman in 2019-20 and 19 points in 24 games as a sophomore this year. Boston College’s season ended Sunday with an NCAA Tournament loss to St. Cloud State.

“He’s a big body, and he skates well...and [he’s] been a contributor on offensive lines,” Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. “He’s going to have to quarantine. But we’ll see [what he can bring] when we get him on the ice.”

The Hawks have dipped into the college circuit several times over the past to bolster their forward prospect pool, signing Colorado College sophomore Josiah Slavin earlier this month and Notre Dame senior Cam Morrison last summer.

Hardman’s signing gives the Hawks 49 contracts on the books right now — one shy of the 50-contract limit — which could affect general manager Stan Bowman’s philosophy and flexibility with transactions ahead of the April 12 NHL trade deadline.