Stan Bowman, Blackhawks Agree on New Contract: Latest Comments and Reaction

The Chicago Blackhawks announced a three-year contract extension for senior vice president and general manager Stan Bowman on Tuesday that will run through the 2020-21 campaign.  

Chicago confirmed the new agreement on its official website and passed along comments from team president and CEO John McDonough about keeping Bowman with the organization:

"

I am proud of how much Stan and his staff have accomplished and have great confidence in his leadership as our organization continues to strive for consistent excellence. Under Stan's guidance, our Hockey Operations Department is strong across all levels, including scouting, player evaluation and development, and salary cap management. He has created a sound structure that Blackhawks fans can be excited about for many years to come.

"

Bowman originally joined the Hawks' organization as part of the hockey operations department in 2001. He worked his way up to the role of general manager in 2009, and the team has become one of the NHL's most successful since that point.

Chicago won its fourth Stanley Cup and ended a championship drought that lasted since the 1960-61 season during his first year in charge. It's gone on to add two more titles (2012-13 and 2014-15) during his tenure to bring the franchise's total to six.

Having a superstar core than includes Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith obviously helps the cause greatly, but Bowman has excelled at putting the right pieces around them.

James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail notes his overall results mean there won't be much, if any, pushback concerning the new deal:

This past offseason provides a perfect example, as the Hawks found themselves in cap trouble. Bowman traded Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp while allowing Brad Richards, Antoine Vermette and Johnny Oduya to hit the free-agent market.

Yet, despite those losses, the Blackhawks still sit atop the Western Conference thanks to the contributions of arrivals like Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov, among others.

Building a dynasty with the salary cap constantly hanging over every move is a difficult task. Bowman showcased once again why he's one of the league's top general managers throughout the offseason, and now, the Hawks have rewarded him for that effort with a fresh contract extension.

He can now focus on any final tweaks the roster may need before the trade deadline as Chicago looks to win its fourth Stanley Cup in the last seven seasons.