The Chicago Blackhawks secured the core of their team for the future by signing Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith to long-term contracts Thursday. There was much consternation about the possibility of the Blackhawks keeping the three players, especially after the Hawks stressed their cap to the max by signing forward Marian Hossa to a 12-year-deal this offseason. But the deals got done: Kane and Toews signed identical five-year, $31.5 million contracts while Keith's is for 13 years and $72 million:
Blackhawks Lock Up Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith
Keith’s contract is for a reported $72 million, the largest in franchise history.
“I’m so happy to be a part of this team and this organization,” Keith said. “I was drafted by this team when I was 18 years old (in 2002) and it seems like yesterday. Now I’m 26 and it’s just great to be a part of it and know that I’m going to be a Blackhawk for the rest of my career. It was what I envisioned when I was first drafted by Chicago--to play my career here. It means a lot to me.”
Toews and Kane reportedly signed identical $31.5 million contracts.
“It’s been an incredible ride so far and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years,” Toews said. “It doesn’t get any better than playing in Chicago for our great fans. I couldn’t imagine a better situation.”
The Blackhawks lead the Western Conference’s Central Division with a 17-6-3 record. Kane leads the team in goals (9) while Keith leads in assists with 18. Toews is the team’s fourth-highest point scorer (16). Kane is first with 26, while Keith is second at 23.
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