Chicago Make Sharp Moves: Blackhawks Core Solidified

Chicago got a good deal on a solid regular season and playoff performer like Patrick Sharp. Versatile as well, Sharp can play either center or wing. Five years at $5.9M is not a overly burdensome contract either.

@TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie: Annual cap hit on Patrick Sharp's five-year extension is $5.9M.


The core of the team is now locked up longterm (three years or more):

@adamjahns Adam Jahns: #Blackhawks now have 10, 88, 19, 81, 36, 2, 7, 67, 4, 50 & Montador (Olesz?) all signed and together for at least the next 3 seasons.


A couple players just shy of the three year threshold are Bryan Bickell and Viktor Stalberg, both of whom are locked up for two more years. The three or more years club includes:

• Upfront: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland, Michael Frolik, (and Rostislav Olesz)
• Blueline: Duncan Kieth, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Steve Montador
• Goal: Corey Crawford

There is also a bit of youth movement afoot in CHI, which will help fill out the bottom 10 spots on the roster. These players include the likes of:

• Upfront: Marcus Kruger, Ben Smith, Jeremy Morin (pictured right)
• Blueline: Nick Leddy 
• Goal: Alexander Salak

The present and future looks bright for CHI. With additions likely made at the trade deadline to fortify the blueline, look for the Blackhawks to once again make noise in the NHL playoffs.