Next thing on Chicago Blackhawks to-do list: Signing Key Player Patrick Sharp –NHL offseason Update
Chicago Blackhawks have made major changes to their line-up during this year’s National Hockey League (NHL) offseason, but still have a major to-do on their list that is still unchecked while the month advances, and that is sign veteran forward, Patrick
Sharp, to a contract extension.
Patrick Sharp, a 29-year-old veteran centre, has been a key forward attacker for Chicago and was a major contributor to their Stanley Cup winning stretch during the 2010 NHL Playoffs.
Having a quality player on any team would be extremely useful, that is why Chicago is hopeful of re-signing him to an extension, before he become a free agent next July and other franchises have a chance at bringing him onboard.
The worst case scenario in this situation could be that Sharp could decide otherwise and plan to finish off his final year with Chicago worth an estimated $3.9 million and look for a better offer elsewhere during next year’s free agency.
According to Sharp, he is more than happy to stay with a team that brought him a Stanley Cup.
"I really don't have much to say about it, to be honest with you", said Sharp. "I've stated that I want to stay here. Hopefully the organization wants me to stay, and besides that I'm not really going to focus on it. I'm just going to try and be the best
player I can be and be a good teammate and let those things kind of sort themselves out".
The 95th overall pick during round-three of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Philadelphia Flyers played for his original team for three seasons until joining Chicago during a trade in the 2005-2006 season.
Since then, Sharp has grown into one of the league’s best players.
Sharp’s consistency continues to amaze every around the hockey world. During their championship stretch during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, Sharp registered 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 22 games played.
Last season, the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada native, scored 71 points (34 goals, 37 assists) in 74 games, which is an outstanding record.
The main problem Chicago is faced is whether to keep Sharp on the core group or a little behind, and according to Sharp, he is happy and will play wherever Blackhawks management wants him to play.
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