Chicago Blackhawks ink goalie Collin Delia to extension

Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Chicago Blackhawks goalie Collin Delia signed a three-year contract extension Monday, the team announced.

The contract runs through the 2021-22 season and has an annual average value of $1 million. Delia could have become a restricted free agent July 1.

"It's a huge vote of confidence in myself and my ability," Delia told reporters. "[I] couldn't be happier to do it now. At this time of the year, it feels really good."

Delia has a 6-2-3 record with a 2.98 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in 12 games (11 starts) this season. Delia has filled in for injured starter Corey Crawford, who returned to practice Monday but remains out with a concussion.

Delia signed with the Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent July 28, 2017, after spending three seasons with Merrimack College. He made his NHL debut against the Winnipeg Jets on March 29, 2018, and picked up a 6-2 victory.

"That's kind of the conversation I had with my agent. 'Look where you were less than a year and a half ago,'" Delia said. "To have an offer of a three-year contract, it's just amazing. I was very happy and we were very pleased. [I'm] happy to spend three more years in Chicago."

Delia has won his last three starts with the Blackhawks. Chicago (23-24-9) has won seven consecutive games ahead of a matchup against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.