The Chicago Blackhawks might as well throw a homecoming parade when they open the 2017-18 season. Add Patrick Sharp to the list of familiar faces being brought back to the organization.
The Blackhawks agreed to a one-year deal with Sharp Saturday. It’s a team-friendly deal, as Sharp will make only $800,000 in base salary with an additional $200,000 in potential bonuses based on games played, per TSN’s Bob McKenzie. In other words, Sharp could make up to $1 million next season if he meets his games played benchmark.
The team made the official announcement in unique fashion on Twitter Saturday morning.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 1, 2017
OFFICIAL:
He's back. pic.twitter.com/MW9Qg5u4sW
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 1, 2017
Sharp will join Brandon Saad in the homecoming court as the Blackhawks attempt to replenish the roster after a disastrous postseason performance. The news was first reported by McKenzie, but the Sharp speculation was originally sparked by The Athletic’s Brian Hedger shortly after the NHL Draft concluded.
You haven’t been a Blackhawks fan for very long if Sharp doesn’t ring a bell. He spent 10 seasons with the Blackhawks from 2005-2015 before being infamously dealt to the Dallas Stars during the 2015 purge following their third Stanley Cup victory.
Sharp fell off drastically after a productive first season in Dallas. He scored 20 goals and tallied 55 total points in 76 games during his debut season with the Stars. However, Sharp played in only 48 games as he dealt with a concussion and underwent hip surgery in March. He scored only eight goals and accumulated 18 points.
The Blackhawks are hoping the 2016-17 season wasn’t an indication of what’s to come for the 35-year-old winger. It’s also uncertain what role Sharp will play with the club. In the past, Sharp served as a top-six forward and racked up 239 goals and 511 points during his 10-year tenure.
There’s a chance Sharp slots in alongside Jonathan Toews and Saad. But he also could serve as a depth forward depending upon how the team feels about Richard Panik, who they signed to a two-year extension in May.
The Blackhawks promised change after their season ended in flames against the Nashville Predators. General manager Stan Bowman definitely delivered on that. The Blackhawks have now re-acquired Sharp and Saad while dishing Artemi Panarin to Columbus and Niklas Hjalmarsson to Arizona.
Blackhawks fans better start digging through their closets and dressers to reclaim their suddenly valuable Sharp jerseys. The “Sharp Dressed Man,” is coming back to Chicago.
