Blackhawks extend Kane, Toews, Keith---or not

SportsWorld · Post #1 » by **SportsWorld** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:31 am

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ho ... 2678.story

The Blackhawks are set to sign young stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to contract extensions, a source close to the organization confirmed Monday.

The announcement of the signing of the forwards, both restricted free agents after the season, is expected in the next day or two before the team leaves for a 10-day, six-game trip beginning Thursday night in Calgary.

In addition, the Hawks are said to be near an agreement with defenseman Duncan Keith, and the team could announce all three signings as early as Tuesday.

There has been much speculation that the Hawks would not be able to sign the players because of salary-cap concerns for the 2010-11 season, but general manager Stan Bowman has maintained that deals would be worked out for all three.

"Our goal like I've said from the beginning is to keep the core of our team together, and they're core players," Bowman said before the season. "That's the strength and the way you have to do it in the game today. Evaluate your players, determine who the core players are and keep that group together and fill in around them."

SportsWorld · Post #2 » by **SportsWorld** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:49 am

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/20 ... sions.html

The Blackhawks and three of their young star players have agreed to long-term extensions.

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane each will sign five-year deals worth $6 million annually, according several published reports, including the Tribune. Duncan Keith will sign a 13-year deal, according to TSN, for less money annually.

WEFFPIM · Post #3 » by **WEFFPIM** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:24 am

So now we play the "Who's Shipped Out?" Game.

I hope Barker and Versteeg.

CjayC · Post #4 » by **CjayC** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:14 am

I'm hoping Barker, Byfuglien.

Beach I see as having a higher upside and more skill than Byfuglien. He's beasting it up in Spokane currently as he should given his draft status. We haven't really heard of him having any kind of personal problems in Spokane. If we can get someone in here that probably has more skill, at a discount, and plays the same role as Byfuglien. I don't see that ending well for Buff.

Barker I've been ho-hum on all season long. He's 3rd line and really is only ever featured on the PP. We got Dylan Olsen who compares to a Dion Phaneuf, Cam Barker type. Given what we have in the farms, and given what Barker actually contributes, I believe he can be replaced.

WEFFPIM · Post #5 » by **WEFFPIM** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:46 pm

So, according to The Score they haven't signed anything yet.

SportsWorld · Post #6 » by **SportsWorld** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:00 pm

Way to jump the gun Chicago Tribune!

CjayC · Post #7 » by **CjayC** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:18 am

As I expected talks are already in the works of getting rid of Barker. Now the tricky part will be getting a team for Campbell.

He's a fast, smooth skater, and a good power play QB, and really not that bad of a defenseman, just not at his price. I'm sure some team could use him(Which is what I'm hoping).

SportsWorld · Post #8 » by **SportsWorld** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:09 am

If we can trade Campbell, that would be **** awesome. He's been just okay this year. Definitely not worth the money we're paying him though.