It’s no secret that the Chicago Blackhawks have been in talks with its two star players, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
Today the team announced that it has come to deals with both superstars. It is reported that the ‘Hawks have extended the pair for eight years, $84 million dollars each, a deal that runs through the 2022-23 NHL season. With a reported cap hit of $10.5 million each year.
The pair is still young, Toews is 26 while Kane is 25. The talent between the two is world class, and are worth every penny of the largest single season cap hit.
Toews has 440 pts (195 goals and 245 assists) in 484 career games. Kane on the other hand has a few more points to his tally, 493 pts (178 goals and 315 assists). Both have won numerous awards, and have been key parts to their two Stanley Cup Championship runs.
What does it mean in the long term?
Paying your two top players the most single season salary in NHL history will take its toll. Granted that the salary cap is predicted to rise, it will mean the ‘Hawks may be limited in the coming years in free agent spending.
Chicago will have to be smart in the NHL entry level draft, and they’ve shown they know how to scout the top talent (Toews/Kane).
For the short term, Chicago will keep its NHL dynasty intact, and that’s exactly what ‘Hawks fans want to hear. Although they still have $2 million to clear of their cap before the season starts, Chicago is a serious contender to win the West, and have to be Stanley Cup favorites.
All in all it’s a solid day in Chicago now that the ‘Hawks have locked up their top two stars. Now if only Melo would sign with the Bulls.
PS – Seeing this for the next eight years makes me jealous.