The 24-year-old goalie, who could have been a restricted free agent July 1, is 6-2-3 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 12 games (11 starts) this season. He was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Dec. 17, one day after goalie Corey Crawford sustained a concussion in a 6-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
"It's a huge vote of confidence in myself and my ability," Delia said about the contract. "I] couldn't be happier to do it now. At this time of the year, it feels really good."
***[RELATED: [Delia making most of opportunity with Blackhawks | Crawford returns to practice\]*
Delia signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent July 28, 2017, after playing three seasons with Merrimack College. He won his NHL debut, 6-2 against the Winnipeg Jets on March 29, 2018.
"That's kind of the conversation I had with my agent. 'Look where you were less than a year and a half ago,'" Delia said. "To have an offer of a three-year contract, it's just amazing. I was very happy and we were very pleased. Happy to spend three more years in Chicago."
Jeremy Colliton, who coached Rockford before replacing Joel Quenneville as Blackhawks coach Nov. 6, said he's noticed an improvement in Delia's mental approach since he was recalled.
"I just think his confidence has come out. His first few games in Rockford, he didn't have that as much. He believed in himself and nothing seems to rattle him, whether it's a tough period or a bad goal or a rough stretch," Colliton said. "And in that position, that's really important. The technical and athletic ability is there, but I think a lot of guys have that. It's the extra; how do you survive when things go against you? That's been nice to see."
Delia has won his past three starts for the Blackhawks (23-24-9), who have won seven in a row entering their game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS, NESN, NBCSCH, NHL.TV) and are four points behind the Minnesota Wild for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference.
NHL.com staff writer Tracey Myers contributed to this report
