Could The Hawks Really Extend Kane, Toews, and Keith? [Pipe Dream Edition]
Have you heard about those Blackhawks lately? After making a run in the playoffs last year, they are off to a great start again this season at 12-5-2. Now, on the eve of their Circus Trip, management has leaked the information that they are close to signing Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to long-term extensions, as well as being in talks with defenseman Duncan Keith.
Here’s the problem with that bit of “news”. It is not really possible with the NHL salary cap system that is currently in place. The same Tribune article that is insinuating that these deals are essentially already done out of one side of its mouth is explaining how it is impossible out of the other side:
The salary cap this season is $56.8 million. It’s expected to remain the same or drop slightly next season, which could handcuff the Hawks, who already have 13 players signed for around $43 million for 2010-11.
With Hossa on the hook for 12 years at about $5.5 million per and Huet another $5.5 million, you would have to think that Kane and Toews will command at least that. If they sign the long-term deal, maybe they would give a discount, but why would two kids with that kind of talent agree to be locked up at a lower rate than their value through their prime playing years?
The Hawks front office has worked many miracles the last few seasons, but this one would top them all. The little problem of “math” seems to be an inflexible obstacle to the signing of all three of these budding young stars. If it somehow happens, this Hawks team could dominate the next decade in Chicago. NQTC reader DC Blackhawks said it best: “if they do [these deals], they will own the city. Outside of MJ, few players have played in Chicago for 10+ years and their team was very competitive.” He makes a good point, although I don’t know if I’d go that far. Here was my response, “If they lock it up, maybe, but let’s see some cups first.”
Keep your eyes and ears open, an announcement about the extensions is expected in the next couple of weeks.
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Comments
Comment from Ethan
Time November 17, 2009 at 10:44 am
Bowman is possibly the best GM in Chicago. He will get this done. If they can sign those 3 and Hjalmarsson I will be happy.
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Comment from DC Blackhawks
Time November 17, 2009 at 10:42 am
The math does make sense, and depending on what the exact salary hits turn out to be, they would VERY likely have to unload some salary (with Barker and Buff heading that list). Thus you have a team built around Toews, Kane, Hossa, Versteeg, Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, and Huet, and also accounting for probably 90% of their cap space. Hockey is strange in the fact that only the average salary over an extended deal is counted towards the cap (the reason Hossa is signed until he’s 64 years old).