Chicago Blackhawks announce two-year deal for LW Artemi Panarin

The Chicago Blackhawks and left wing Artemi Panarin agreed to a two-year contract extension on Thursday.

Reports surfaced the sides agreed to a deal on Wednesday night before the Blackhawks officially made the announcement Thursday morning.

While the team did not divulge the financial terms, TSN in Canada reported that the pact was for $12 million - which matches what Panarin had been seeking. The extension starts next season and prevents the Blackhawks from losing Panarin in unrestricted free agency.

Panarin finished his rookie season with 77 points (30 goals, 47 assists) and won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year over Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid.

This season, Panarin is fifth in the league in points with 15 goals and 22 assists in 37 games. He leads the Blackhawks in scoring and has five goals and nine assists during a career-high eight-game point streak since Dec. 11.

Chicago signed Panarin away from the Kontinental Hockey League in May 2015 and he scored a goal in his first career game. Since joining the Blackhawks, he has 114 points in his first 117 regular-season games.