Early on Thursday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced they signed forward Richard Panik to a two-year contract extension. The contract is a two-year, $5.6 million contract with a $2.8 million AAV or Cap Hit.
Chicago Blackhawks sign Richard Panik to a Two-Year Extension
Panik’s Season
Panik is coming off a career year in Chicago. He scored a career high in goals (22), assists (22) and points (44). Of those 22 goals, one of them is clearly able to be recognized for goal of the year against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Panik was proficient this year at even strength with 18 of his 22 goals, and 17 of his 22 assists coming at even strength. He spent a lot of time on the top line this season with Jonathan Toews as his centre.
#PanikAtTheUC returns!
Richard Panik has signed a 2-year contract extension with the #Blackhawks! pic.twitter.com/nufvaK0dv3
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 11, 2017
Panik had relatively good possession numbers this year. At even strength, his Corsi for percentage was 49.6%. This is not a great possession number, but it is not too bad either. This was slightly above his career average (49.1%). If he continues to play with a player like Toews, this should rise.
Before this season, Panik only had 25 goals in 181 career games. Panik nearly totalled that in a full 82 game season this year.
Contract Review
The Blackhawks were able to lock up a good depth scorer for only $2.8 million a year. With the cap hit being this low, and a short term, it is a low risk/high reward contract that won’t be a problem for the next two seasons. Panik showed his scoring potential this season that will only flourish on a high-powered offensive team like the Chicago Blackhawks.
Main Photo:
