Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews signed identical eight-year, $84 million contract extensions with the Chicago Blackhawks, but they never once considered leaving the team that drafted them in 2007.
Kane spoke about the free agency experience and what his thought process was considering he had no idea if he would be back in Chicago. Kane spoke from the heart about his team and how much the city means to him.
"Even you can see free agents these days, they want to come to Chicago and be a part of not only this team and organization, but the city and the fans as well, obviously the tradition that has been going on here for the past few years of winning hockey games," Kane said. "It was not even a thought to think about continuing your career anywhere else. I think we're both happy we're locked up here for a while.”
Agent Pat Brisson represents both Kane and Toews and believes the pair could have commanded $13.8 million each on the open market. The pair “settled” for $10.5 million each and will be the highest paid players in the NHL when the deals activates in 2015.
Toews believes the deals workout for everyone because the two stars get their due while still creating a flexible atmosphere for the front office going forward.
“We're very conscious of that and the success we've had as individuals on this team has a lot to do with the great teammates we've had along the way. We're very conscious of what goes into that as far as keeping this team together.”
Kane and Toews were both top-five draft picks and made their debut in 2007. Since they made their debuts in 2007, the Blackhawks have undergone a resurgence that includes two Stanley Cup titles, four Western Conference finals and six consecutive playoff appearances.
[ESPN]
Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
