Chicago Blackhawks F Artemi Panarin Looking to Cash In

Chicago Blackhawks Forward Artemi Panarin Is Looking To Cash In After His Calder Trophy Winning Campaign

Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin is looking to cash in on his Calder Trophy winning season. Chicago’s all-important Russian sniper and the reigning rookie of the year is reportedly seeking a six-year contract extension “worth more than $6 million per season,” per the Chicago Tribune.

As the Tribune points out, that figure could be problematic due to cap restraints. There is no doubt that Panarin is worth the money – he’s 24, and coming off a 30-goal, 77-point season. But fans are wondering how the ‘Hawks can afford him. The issue is eight players on the active roster are pulling in at least $4 million dollars per season, which includes Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

That said, it sure sounds like both sides will get a deal done as the Blackhawks have no interest in losing another one of their stars.

Reports last week said his agent and ‘Hawks GM Stan Bowman were in extension talks, and Bowman seemed confident a deal would be inked.

“I respect Tom [Lynn, Panarin’s agent], he’s a very knowledgeable guy and I know Artemi put a lot of faith in him,” Bowman said. “Tom and I will work to get something done.”

Panarin’s heading into the last year of a two-year, $6.775 million deal with a $3.387 AAV. The deal looked more and more like a bargain as the season went on . It was a performance based deal that Panarin cashed in a couple of times. Including a $1.725 million bonus for finishing among the top 10 scorers in the NHL.

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Chicago Blackhawks Can Get This Done

The Blackhawks had to make some tough financial decisions this offseason, which included a deal that sent Bryan Bickell and Teuvo Teravainen to Carolina in exchange for draft picks. This trade had to be made to clear up cap space as the team has run into money issues over the past couple of seasons.

So this means that trying to accommodate Panarin’s potential contract, isn’t anything new for the Hawks GM. He’s been down this road before and usually has found a way to keep his core players in the mix.

Panarin is considered a core guy at this point. Based on that it looks like the Chicago Blackhawks will do whatever it takes to keep him on their team long-term.