Individual accolade for Panarin may not be a good thing for the Blackhawks.

A tough spot for the Blackhawks.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Individual accolade for Panarin may not be a good thing for the Blackhawks.

Whether he wants to think about it or not, Chicago Blackhawks sniper Artemi Panarin can earn himself a good chunk of change with a strong finish over the NHL regular season’s final week of play. The Russian sophomore has a contract clause that pays out a $1.725 million bonus if he finishes the season in the league’s top 10 for points, assists, goals or points per game amongst forwards. 

When asked about the bonus, Panarin jokingly said, ”I was arguing a little bit with my grandpa over the phone and he started talking about points again. I don't think about that. So I'm not going to call him."

Currently, Panarin’s 72 points puts him into a tie for 9th place amongst forwards in the NHL. If he can hang onto that spot or improve upon it, he’ll be adding to an already impressive season for himself financially. Having secured an $850,000 bonus already and signing a two-year $12 million contract that starts next season, Panarin has done well for himself since leaving the KHL for the NHL.

It appears that Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville is also aware of Panarin’s pending bonus, as he had the player out on the ice in the late stages of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. "You try to help the guys out in those type of situations if you can," Quenneville said. 

Whether he hits his bonus or not, the fit between the Blackhawks and Panarin has been perfect for both sides since the beginning and it’s made that latter a very, very rich man.

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