On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times: After signing Richard Panik to a two-year deal worth $2.8 million a season, the Blackhawks now have $65 million committed to 11 players. Throw in a some young players who are expected to make the team and they are at about $71.5 million for 20 players.
That doesn’t include the almost $3.6 million in bonus overages and possible new contracts for Michal Kempny, Dennis Rasmussen, Tomas Jurco and a backup goalie.
The Blackhawks will likely lose forward Marcus Kruger‘s $3.083 million cap hit or defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk in the expansion draft.
Panik will be protected in the expansion draft along with forwards Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Artem Anisimov, Ryan Hartman and one other forward.
The Blackhawks will protect seven forwards and three defense over the eight skaters option.
Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune: Source saying the Blackhawks will likely protect seven forwards, three defense and goaltender Corey Crawford. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Artem Anisimov and Marian Hossa have no-movement clauses.
“There is still a chance but hopefully Chicago will protect me and in discussions my main reason (for signing) was I wanted to stay in Chicago,” Panik said. “Hopefully, they will protect me and we’ll stay here.”
Barry Rozner of the Chicago Daily Herald: Rozner wonders if the Blackhawks needed to immediately sign Artem Anisimov to a five year, $23 million deal a day after they traded for him? Did they need to sign Brent Seabrook to an eight-year, $55 million deal? After missing six months with a wrist injury in 2016, the Blackhawks gave Marcus Kruger a three year, $9 million deal, a raise from $1.5 million.
Word is the Blackhawks are trying to get the Vegas Golden Knights to draft Marcus Kruger and take his $3 million contract off their books. A move like this could cost them a young players like Vinnie Hinostroza or someone like him that has already played in the NHL.