Blackhawks president McDonough: Toews, Kane 'symbols of the renaissance'

The Chicago Blackhawks formally announced the signings of forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to matching eight-year, $84-million contract extensions on Wednesday. 

Team president John McDonough hailed the pair as responsible for putting Chicago hockey back on the map.

General manager Stan Bowman added the following:

[Toews and Kane] lead our team, on and off the ice. We've accomplished a lot with them here, and I'm excited about what's ahead.

Toews added a touch of humor to the proceedings, commenting on the state of the pair's relationship off the ice.

Kane offered a more earnest comment in regards to the captain.

Kane also credited head coach Joel Quenneville with helping him become a more well-rounded player.

"It was not even really a thought to think of continuing your career anywhere else," he said.

Toews commented on how the pair has been surrounded by a great supporting cast, recognizing the success they've had in Chicago is due in large part to the rest of the roster. Bowman, however, acknowledged the franchise will be in a decent spot for the duration of their contracts.

Kane was asked about off-ice issues that faced him in the past and whether it ever occurred to him that the team may decide to move on. 

"Everyone kind of goes through their different maturation process," he said, "and maybe mine was a little delayed compared to other guys."

Finally, Toews summed up the twin extensions by saying. "It would be kind of weird to be on a team without Kaner."

It seems as though the Blackhawks, and the hockey world in general, won't need to imagine that scenario any time soon.

Later, the pair's agent revealed his clients received a healthy, guaranteed bonus.