(Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
Buried behind the trades of big time names like Chris Pronger and Jay Bouwmeester this weekend is news that should make the Chicago Blackhawks' fans just as happy as their counterparts in Calgary or Philadelphia.
Dave Bolland has reportedly agreed to a long-term deal to stay in Chicago.
The Blackhawks have not yet confirmed the reports, the deal is said to be for five years and worth around $18 million.
Bolland, 23, scored 47 points in 81 regular season games and had a strong +19 rating. He continued his excellent play in the postseason, scoring 12 points in 17 playoff games.
This marks the first contract in what figures to be a busy summer for the Hawks. Rookie Kris Versteeg and defenders Cam Barker and Matt Walker are all in need of new contracts this summer, while next summer has the prospect of Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane being restricted free agents.
Also unrestricted this summer are Samuel Pahlsson, Martin Havlat and Nikolai Khabibulin.
Bolland is considered by many within the Hawks organization to be one of the most important building blocks on the roster, and is one of coach Joel Quenneville's favorites in shootouts. If Havlat and Pahlsson both leave this summer, Bolland will have a more important role in the offense next season.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Chicago Blackhawks articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
12 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete