While it may be a bit surprising to see a player who spent just last season in the AHL making nearly $3 million per season, the Blackhawks may be hoping that Panik is able to continue surpassing the 20-goal mark in the future. "There wasn't much thinking involved".
Panik showed he could play on the top line and scored 18 even-strength goals, fourth on the team, and general manager Stan Bowman applauded the Slovak forward's consistency throughout the season.
Panik, 26, is coming off a career-best season where he had 22 goals, 22 assists and 44 points in 82 games.
"I think when I look back at the season, this was my most consistent season in the National Hockey League". Bowman made sure Panik, a restricted free agent, didn't get away, signing him on Thursday to a two-year contract extension worth a reported $2.8 million per season - a significant raise from the $875,000 he made this past season, but perhaps less than market value for a player coming off a 22-goal season.
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Acquired in a trade with the Maple Leafs in the middle of the 2015-2016 season, Panik was one of the surprises for the Blackhawks this past season. Their cap overage is an estimated $3.6 million due to bonuses in the 2016-17 season. "We are looking forward to having him in Chicago for the next two seasons".
Still, Panik provided a net-front presence that the Blackhawks needed this past season and will need going forward.
"There's a chance [I'm exposed], but hopefully Chicago will protect me", Panik said.
Panik is the Blackhawks' second player transaction of the offseason. The Blackhawks also recently traded goaltender Scott Darling to the Carolina Hurriances for a third-round draft pick.
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