Blackhawks, Panarin, Agree on Two Year Extension

Stan Bowman's basket weaving talents continued today as he was able to sign Blackhawk superstar, Artemi Panarin, to a two year extension worth $6 million per year.  It had been rumored that Panarin was looking or an extension in the range of 6 years at $7 million per year.

With the concerns of the NHL salary cap being stagnant after the upcoming year or with a slight increase of $1-2 million, the Blackhawks have traded one headache for another.  Panarin is under contact for two more years, but with the Hawks available salary cap for next year at approximately $6.3 million, as per capfriendly.com, and a need to sign anywhere up to 8 players, Bowman will have his hands full again to keep the Hawks in compliance with the cap.

Panarin, won the Calder Trophy last year for Rookie of The Year honors, compiling 77 points (30G 47A) in 80 games.  He also managed to get himself $2.8 million in performance bonuses.  That bonus is applied to this year's cap.  He's on his away of earning another $2.575 million in bonus performances based on his current season that will hit next year's cap.  currently through 37 games, he has 37 points (15G 22A).

With the addition of the newly granted NHL team in Las Vegas, it is possible that the Hawks may clear some of the cap space and lose a couple of players in the process; Marcus Kruger ($3.08 mil) and/or Trevor van Riemsdyk ($825k).  A small price to pay for the talent of Panarin, although Kruger is a cog for the Hawks' penalty kill unit.

Regardless, at least for the next couple of years, Blackhawks fans can rest easy knowing that the Breadman will remain a Blackhawk, after receiving his dough.

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!