Panarin hits 30-goal mark, virtually assures big bonus
The Bread Man is leaving no doubt that he deserves a little more dough.
Chicago Blackhawks rookie Artemi Panarin exploded in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, assisting on a Patrick Kane goal, then scoring two of his own, including his 30th of the season.
Artemi Panarin is the fourth rookie in @NHLBlackhawks history to score 30 or more goals in a season. #CHIvsCBJ pic.twitter.com/DK4nK6ARFF
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 10, 2016
Panarin is due a $1.725-million bonus if he finishes top 10 in the NHL in points this season.
His first period eruption vaulted him into a tie for seventh with San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski at 77 points.
He's likely in line for performance bonuses totaling $2.575 million this season, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
General Fanager has the Blackhawks with a projected end-of-season cap space figure of $143,538, and they'd likely have to part ways with another player in the offseason to accommodate Panarin's raise.
(Video courtesy: NHL.com)