Blackhawks sign Kane, Toews to 8-year extensions

Jul 9, 2014 - 9:03 PM Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with franchise cornerstones Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on eight-year contract extensions, the team announced Wednesday.

The deals run through 2022-23 and are reportedly each worth $10.5 million per season. The pair of forwards are entering the last season of matching five- year, $31.5 million contracts.

"When we started our journey we made a commitment to our fans to be relevant and to see the Chicago Blackhawks become the best professional hockey organization. There are not two finer symbols of that than Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane," Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement. "The commitment we have made to these incredible young men is equal to the commitment they have made to our team, our fans, our entire organization and the city of Chicago. We are excited for our future and proud that they will continue to be a part of that commitment and success for years to come."

Toews and Kane have been vital to the revitalization of the once-moribund franchise, helping the Blackhawks win two Stanley Cups in the past five years.

The Blackhawks selected Toews third overall in the 2006 NHL Draft and used the first pick of the 2007 NHL Draft on Kane.

Toews, 26, had 28 goals and 40 assists in 76 games last season. For his career, the Chicago captain has registered 195 goals and 440 points in 484 games.

"I could not be more grateful for the amazing moments and opportunities I've been given by the Chicago Blackhawks," Toews said in a statement. "There's no organization in sports that cares more about the overall experience of their fans and the success of their players. To have the chance to continue with this amazing group of teammates and people throughout the organization is an incredible honor. There's nothing we want more as players than to continue to win Stanley Cups for the best hockey fans on the planet."

The all-time franchise leader with 10 postseason game-winning goals, Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP following the Blackhawks' 2010 title run.

Kane netted the Cup-clinching goal in overtime of Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010 and captured the Conn Smythe Trophy after Chicago eliminated the Boston Bruins in six games in the 2013 Finals.

The 25-year-old Kane posted 69 points in as many games this past season and has 178 goals with 315 assists in 515 career games.

"It's great to be able to continue my career in Chicago," Kane said in a statement. "Playing with the best organization in sports and the best fans in the game is a blessing. Since I was drafted by the Blackhawks, the people of Chicago have really embraced me and treated me with nothing but respect. I look forward to many more years of success with the Blackhawks."