Blackhawks Sign Forward to Contract Extension

One of the top NHL trade targets is officially off the board, but not because he has been moved. Instead, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Jason Dickinson to a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.25 million.

This is the second contract extension that the Blackhawks have made in the new year, as they also inked Nick Foligno to a two-year extension. Now, Dickinson will also be sticking around, and he will continue to be a key forward in their lineup as they work through their rebuilding stage.

Dickinson is in the middle of a career season, and he has cashed in on it because of it. In 43 games played, he has a career-high 14 goals to go along with 21 points. With that, he needs just nine points to match his career-high (30) from last season with the Blackhawks.

While the Blackhawks are rebuilding and looking toward the future, they opted not to move Dickinson while his trade value was his highest as a rental. Instead, he will continue to be a key veteran forward on their roster and help mentor the club's young players like Connor Bedard.

Overall, this is a good move for both the player and the team. Dickinson is getting his pay day, while the Blackhawks are keeping a forward around who has been a great fit in their lineup since his arrival.