NHL News: Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and the Florida Panthers

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz dies

NBC Sports Chicago: Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz died yesterday at 70 years old after a brief illness.

“Our hearts are very heavy today,” Rocky’s son and Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement. “Our dad was a passionate businessman committed to making Chicago a great place to live, work and visit, but his true love was for his family and close friends. He was a loving father, a devoted husband to Marilyn, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and a doting grandfather to his six remarkable grandchildren. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many and we will miss him terribly.”

Rocky took over the team from his dad Bill in 2007.

NHL News: Patrice Bergeron Announces Retirement

The Blackhawks sign Sam Savoie

NBC Sports Chicago: The Chicago Blackhawks have signed 2022 third-round draft pick Sam Savoie to a three-year entry-level contract with an $878,333 salary cap hit.

Puck Pedia: Savoie will have an AAV of $950,000.

Year 1: $775,000 salary, $95,000 signing bonus, $80,000 GP Bonus, and $82,500 in the minors
Year 2: $775,000 salary, $95,000 signing bonus, $80,000 GP Bonus, and $82,500 in the minors
Year 1: $800,000 salary, $95,000 signing bonus, $55,000 GP Bonus, and $82,500 in the minors

The Avalanche sign Nikolai Kovalenko

Puck Pedia: The Colorado Avalanche sign 2018 sixth-round pick, forward Nikolai Kovalenko to a two-year entry-level contract with a $896,250 cap hit and a $925,000 AAV.

Year 1: $832,500 salary, $92,500 signing bonus, $70,000 in the minors, and a European Assignment Clause
Year 2: $775,000 salary, $92,500 signing bonus, $57,500 GP bonus, and $70,000 in the minors

NHL Rumors: Arizona Coyotes, and the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Panthers sign Eetu Luostarinen

Puck Pedia: The Panthers sign Eetu Luostarinen to a three-year contract extension with a $3 million salary cap hit.

2023-24: $1 million salary and a $2.5 million signing bonus
2024-25: $1 million salary and a $2 million signing bonus
2025-26: $1 million salary and a $1.5 million signing bonus

The deal buys one year of unrestricted free agency.