Artem Anisimov: Agrees to Five-Year Extension with Hawks

Anisimov signed a five-year, $22.75 million contract extension with the Blackhawks on Wednesday, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.

Analysis:

Anisimov, who was one of five players the Blackhawks received back in Tuesday's stunning deal that sent Brandon Saad to the Blue Jackets, is expected to slot in as the team's second- or third-line center following the expected offseason departures of Brad Richards and Antoine Vermette. The 27-year-old hasn't tallied more than 45 points in any of his seven NHL seasons, but his steady play in all facets of the game should make him a useful piece in Chicago. Anisimov still has one year remaining on his previous deal with a cap hit of $3.28 million before the extension kicks in next summer and runs through the end of the 2020-21 campaign.