Hawks Busy, ink several key RFA's to extensions

Just days after making a big move sending Tyler Johnson packing in exchange for Jaden Schwartz, Chicago GM Todd Semonick remained busy locking up a good chunk of his core to contract extensions. The headliner was franchise defenceman Victor Hedman, who signed a 4 year 7.75 million dollar deal to remain in Chicago long term. While Duncan Keith and Ryan Suter remain elite players, Hedman has taken over as the cornerstone of the blueline, and has established himself as perhaps the best defenceman in all the the NHL. "We are thrilled to take care of business with regard to signing Victor, while there was never a doubt we would get a deal done, it is nice to have it out of the way ahead of the draft." said Semonick. 

Ryan Johansen also signed a 1 year 4.85 million dollar deal. Johansen is emerging as a legitimate top line C, and it is likely he will be signed to a multi-year deal after the season. 

To make the day even sweeter the team got its future in net sorted out signing Martin Jones to a 4 year 3.6 million dollar per year deal. This likely indicates that it will be Frederik Andersen on the move, however Semonick did not rule out have both goalies back next season if a suitable trade can't be found. 

In addition to their franchise defenceman, starting goalie, and 1st line center the team also agreed to terms with two prominent wingers, Adam Henrique and Chris Kreider who signed a 4 year 4 million dollar per season deal, and 1 year 3.9 million dollar deal respectively.

The team remains in negotiations with Sean Couturier, Danny Dekeyser, Tom Wilson and Marcus Foligno