All the speculation can finally end. Forward Patrick Sharp, who was always considered a core player by the Blackhawks, signed a five-year extension with the team on Wednesday.
The annual cap hit of Sharp's new contract is $5.9 million, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie. Sharp is entering the last year of a contract that carries a $3.9 million cap hit. His salary for the 2011-12 season is $4.2 million.
Last summer, there was ample speculation that Sharp was on the trade market with the Hawks having salary-cap concerns. But general manager Stan Bowman always said the plan was to re-sign Sharp.
He stayed true to his word.
"Patrick is a very important member of our organization and we are looking forward to him being part of a core group that will be a contender for many years to come," Bowman said. "Over the last several years we have seen him develop into one of the game's elite players as well as a fixture in the community and we are proud to be able to announce this news [Wednesday]."
Sharp, 29, led the Hawks with 34 goals last season and had a career-high 71 points in 74 games. He also was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the 2011 All-Star Game in Raleigh.
Sharp has scored 150 goals in a Hawks uniform during regular-season play since being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 5, 2005.
"I feel like the best is yet to come," Sharp said. "There's no reason to stop. I feel like I'm getting in better shape each year. ... I'm looking forward to improving down the line.
""It feels good to know that I'm wanted here in Chicago."
Great signing... Sharpy is with out a doubt... one of the top 3 players on that team... Core is locked up... Hawks will be a power for years to come..