The Calder Trophy race has been one of the most exciting storylines of the NHL season, but Artemi Panarin's recent play might take away any need for debate.
After recording four points in each of his past two games entering Tuesday, the 24-year-old recorded three assists against the Arizona Coyotes to become the first rookie to record at least three points in three consecutive games since Teemu Selanne accomplished the feat in 1992-93.
Panarin now has 75 points on the season, with his first assist making him the highest-scoring Blackhawks rookie since linemate and NHL scoring leader Patrick Kane scored 72 points in 2007-08. He now leads the rookie scoring race by 21 points.
His scoring prowess could prove costly for the Blackhawks though, as the winger will command a $1.725-million bonus - if he finishes in the top ten league-wide in goals, assists, points or points-per-game - which would put them over the salary cap for the year.
His eleven-point run has now brought him into a three-way tie for seventh in league scoring, and if he stays there, it would mean Chicago would have an estimated $2.64-million overage applied to their cap next season, per General Fanager.
While Panarin's production has been incredible for the Blackhawks, it may just cost them their ability to re-sign key free agents in the offseason:
It's hardly a certainty, but there's a decent chance Panarin hitting his bonus means an end to Andrew Shaw's career with the #Blackhawks.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 6, 2016
