Artem Anisimov, Blackhawks Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

After acquiring center Artem Anisimov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a package for forward Brandon Saad, the Chicago Blackhawks agreed to a contract extension with their newest player, the team announced on Wednesday. 

According to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston, the Blackhawks inked the Russian forward to a five-year, $22.75 million contract, which averages out to $4.55 million annually.

Andy Strickland of Fox Sports Midwest provided a year-by-year breakdown of the extension:

The 27-year-old veteran has one year remaining on his current deal at a cap hit of $3.283 million before his new contract kicks in beginning in 2016-17, per NHLNumbers.com.

Anisimov was shipped to Chicago Tuesday along with forwards Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp and a fourth-round pick in exchange for Saad, forward Alex Broadhurst and defenseman Michael Paliotta.

Saad is undoubtedly the top player in the deal, but Chicago was able to garner a solid return, as Anisimov and Dano both figure to be on the NHL roster next season.

According to the Blackhawks' official Twitter account, general manager Stan Bowman has had his eye on Anisimov for quite a while:

The former New York Rangers second-round pick posted seven goals and 27 points in 52 games last season. Considering that level of production, TSN's Scott Cullen believes Chicago may have overpaid:

Anisimov did score a career-high 22 goals in 2013-14, though, and he is regarded as a strong two-way center. He also has ideal size at 6'4" and nearly 200 pounds, so it is easy to see why Bowman is enthralled with him.

With Jonathan Toews entrenched as Chicago's top center, Anisimov figures to slot in behind him, and he certainly has a chance to improve his offensive output with skilled wingers such as Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa on the roster.

Having won three Stanley Cups in the past six years, everything the Blackhawks touch seems to turn to gold. While Anisimov's contract may seem like an overpayment on the surface, Chicago's front office certainly knows how to build a winner.

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