On the Dallas Stars …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 on Dallas Stars Jamie Benn on a potential contract extension this offseason. Benn has one year left on his deal.
“I don’t think it starts with a 10 like Kopitar does or like Kane and Toews do, but I think it’s going to start with an 8 or a 9. And I think the Stars know that.
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“So I would suspect it gets done in the summer. I think they have an idea what this is going to take. I think they have a willingness to do it. I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes in around $9 million. I’m not saying that’s the exact number, but I’m saying it’s probably somewhere within a few hundred thousand dollars one way or the other.
“I don’t think this is going to be a 10, but I think it’s going to be somewhere between 8.5 and 9.5, I would guess.”
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Scott Powers: The Blackhawks are targeting Czech Republic defenseman Michal Kempny.
Scott Powers of The Athletic: The Blackhawks are expected to re-sign restricted free agent Richard Panik according to GM Stan Bowman.
“We’ve had discussions, and I don’t think the contract is going to be a challenge,” Bowman said following Team USA’s morning skate in St. Petersburg, Russia on Sunday. “I think we’re going to get that worked out. I think he’s going to be a part of it. We’re looking for him to take that next step in his career.”
Panik was acquired from the Maple Leafs for Jeremy Morin in January. He can play on the Blackhawks third or fourth line, and can play both left and right wing. Panik carried a $975,000 cap hit this past season and hopes to return.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but obviously I was really happy here,” Panik said last month. “If I stay here for next year, it’s going to be for me unbelievable.”
