Blackhawks extend RW Sharp

Jan 17, 2008 - 10:20 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Blackhawks rewarded Patrick Sharp for a solid first half of the season.

Sharp signed a four-year contract extension with the Blackhawks on Thursday.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but TSN of Canada reported on its web site that the deal is worth $15.6 million.

The 26-year-old Sharp has recorded 14 goals and 22 assists in 44 games this season. The six-year veteran is one goal off his career-high of 15 set last season and leads the league with seven shorthanded goals.

Sharp is three shorthanded goals shy of tying the franchise record set by Dirk Graham in 1988-89.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to continue my career with the Blackhawks," he said. "I love the city of Chicago and the Chicago fans, and I want to be here for a long time.

"I feel that out team has improved and continues to get better. Team success is a product of individual success, and I will do everything I can to bring a championship to the city of Chicago."

A third-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2001, Sharp has recorded 61 goals and 48 assists in 240 games with the Flyers and Chicago.