The Chicago Blackhawks are substantially done with their offseason additions. Now, all eyes are on September and the start of training camp. However, there is one piece that the Blackhawks still want to have under contract. Forward Philipp Kurashev remains unsigned and The Athletic's Scott Powers is reporting that the two sides are far apart on contract talks.
According to a league source, Kurashev and his agent Pat Brisson, who famously represents Seth Jones, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane, are seeking a one-year, $2.65 million deal. The Blackhawks on the other hand are reportedly offering a two-year deal worth $1.4 million per season.
Kurashev is very different from many of the other signings this offseason. Although Kyle Davidson happily overpaid veterans to rise above the cap floor and fill out his roster, Kurashev is lining up to potentially be a part of this rebuild and beyond for Chicago. As one of the few Chicago draft selections to survive the Kyle Davidson takeover, he has a real future with the team. Kurashev can play up and down the lineup and will likely be a valuable bottom six player now and in the future when the Hawks are in a competitive window.
That in mind, the difference in contractual ask is warranted. Kurashev wants a solid dollar value for one year and the chance to make more the following season, assuming he has a strong campaign. However, Kurashev's historical production has not warranted anything over $2 million, with career highs of nine and 25 for goals and points, respectively. Both totals came in 70 games (another career high) last season.
In the end, if an arbitrator is necessary, I believe the two sides will settle on a two-year, $1.95 million deal. Kurashev made major strides last season, but the 23-year-old still has a lot to prove. A short bridge deal gives him a sizable raise while allowing himself to earn more money entering his age-25 season. Until then, its a waiting game for the Blackhawks, Kurashev, and the fans.
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