NHL Rumors: Blackhawks' Artemi Panarin seeking six-year $36 million deal

Artemi Panarin and the Chicago Blackhawks are discussing an extension, but Panarin’s demands are a bit high.

The Chicago Blackhawks have done a mighty fine job over the years keeping their best players while staying under the salary cap ceiling. However, they’ve recently been forced to trade some good young players to do so. While the Blackhawks and 2015-16 Calder Trophy winner Artemi Panarin are discussing an extension, his demands are a bit high.

Panarin is reportedly asking for a six-year deal worth $36 million, which would give him an annual cap hit of $6 million. The extension would not officially begin until after the 2016-17 season, and while the Blackhawks currently will have over $15 million of cap space next season, they also only have 11 players signed.

“Obviously, Artemi is a big part of our team,” said Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman, via Chicago Tribune. “We’re excited for the season he had. We’re looking forward to him building on that. [Panarin’s agent] and I will work to get something done.”

Getting something done with Panarin could be very difficult. The Blackhawks won’t have much money to work with. However, Bowman tends to keep his important guys and Panarin is coming off an impressive rookie season with 30 goals and 77 points. He signed an entry level deal for two seasons and will be a restricted free agent following the 2016-17 season.

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A $6 million cap hit would place him seventh among cap hits for left wings. Ironically, it would tie him with Brandon Saad’s. Saad is a former Blackhawk who currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets after his contract demands forced his exit from Chicago.

With the Blackhawks committing so much money to just 11 players, keeping Panarin will be difficult for the Blackhawks. But don’t count them out, because Bowman tends to find a way to keep guys like Panarin.