Blackhawks' Artemi Panarin Locks Up Contract Bonuses
(CBS) The Blackhawks offered an incentive-laced contract last offseason to rookie winger Artemi Panarin by signing him to a deal under $1 million but offering major bonuses. He's now made the most out of it, while the team has hit big on his potential.
By virtue of a splendid season, Panarin has locked up $2.5 million bonuses, including $1.725 million in a Schedule B bonus for ranking in top 10 in points among forwards. Panarin, 24, finished with 77 points, tied for eighth-most among forwards. He left no doubt either, scoring two goals and recording an assist in Saturday's regular-season finale at Columbus. Panarin's the favorite to win the Calder Trophy as hockey's top newcomer.
Most of Panarin's hefty bonuses will count against the salary cap, which in turn will carry into the 2016-'17 cap figure. The Blackhawks will be well over the cap entering this offseason. The added total will likely force the Blackhawks to eliminate a key contract from the future equation. That could mean letting restricted free agent-to-be Andrew Shaw leave after he made $2 million this season.
Still, general manager Stan Bowman and the team can stand pleased with paying Panarin, knowing they found a star for the Blackhawks' future.