The Chicago Blackhawks have locked up another piece of their talented core. Scott Powers of the Athletic Chicago reports the Hawks have agreed to an extension with Artemi Panarin. Panarin will reportedly make $6 million over the next two seasons on a bridge deal according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.ca.
BREAKING NEWS: Artemi Panarin, Blackhawks agree to contract extension. @ByScottPowers with the story: https://t.co/hJ2apfq9Fd
— The Athletic Chicago (@TheAthleticCHI) December 28, 2016
Panarin's extension in CHI first reported by @ByScottPowers. It's believed to be a two-year bridge deal in the $6M AAV neighborhood.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 28, 2016
Panarin has established himself as one the league’s most productive scorers after signing with the Blackhawks last season. He won the Calder Trophy after scoring 30 goals and 77 points in his rookie season. The 25-year-old followed that up with a point per game pace so far in 2016-17, leading the Blackhawks with 37 points in 37 games.
The Hawks currently only have roughly $400,000 in cap space, with little relief going forward in 2017-18. With Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Artem Anisimov, Marcus Kruger, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith, and Corey Crawford all locked up to long-term deals, there’s very little wiggle room. Panarin’s deal puts the Hawks cap in a further bind. Chicago is going to need to get creative to fill out its roster next season.
The Hawks could create room for Panarin, should they deal Marcus Kruger (who’s got two years at just over $3 million on his deal) and let Brian Campbell and a slew of depth forwards go. The obvious decision would be dealing Brent Seabrook and huge contract while the club still can, as he still retains value league-wide.
Regardless, the Blackhawks will do something to facilitate Panarin’s contract. If anybody can do it, it’s the Hawks. They’re pros at turning over the roster to fit in big deals.
