Blackhawks confident two-time champion Corey Crawford will re-sign with club

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is confident the club can retain veteran goaltender and two-time Stanley Cup champion Corey Crawford even though the 35-year-old who has spent his 13-season career with the organization can test free agency on Oct. 9. 

"I'm always an optimist, so yeah, I would say in every situation, I'm always looking on the bright side, but until something happens, until something comes to completion, I don't know. I can't really comment," Bowman said on Wednesday, per Tracey Myers of the league's official website. 

"We still have time on our side here, and that's what we're working through. We're realistic that [Crawford signing with another team is] a possibility, but that's not what we're focused on. I think we're looking at [re-signing Crawford] and optimistic to do something like that."

Crawford previously stated he wished to pursue a third Cup with Chicago.

"Salary, that can be discussed," he said last month. "That's something that is not as important at this time. We'll see how those discussions go."

Across 488 regular-season appearances with the Blackhawks, Crawford is 260-162-53 with a 2.45 goals against average, .918 save percentage and 26 shutouts.