NHL News: Athanasiou, Liukas, Blidh and Gavrikov

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Originally published by NHLRumors.com

The Chicago Blackhawks sign Andreas Athanasiou to an extension

Ben Pope: The Chicago Blackhawks have signed forward Andreas Athanasiou to a two-year contract extension with a $4.25 million cap hit.

“Athanasiou gets a nice raise over the $3M he made last year; the Hawks get closer to the cap floor and help support Bedard. Everyone’s happy.”

Scott Powers of the Athletic: The $4.25 million cap may seem a little high for some, but it helps them get to the salary floor, and they kept it to two years.

They’ll likely be looking to add a few more veterans and keeping the term short is important to the Blackhawks.

The New York Islanders sign Eetu Liukas

Puck Pedia: The New York Islanders have signed 2021 5th-round pick, forward Eetu Liukas to a three-year entry-level contract with a $867,500 cap hit and $925,000 AAV.

He’ll have a $775,000 salary, a $92,500 signing bonus, a $57,500 games played bonus, and $80,000 in the minors.

The New York Rangers re-sign Anton Blidh

Puck Pedia: The New York Rangers sign pending UFA forward Anton Blidh to a two-year contract extension with a $775,000 salary cap hit.

He’ll get $775,000 in the NHL, $350,000 in the minors with $385,000 guaranteed.

The Los Angeles Kings sign Vladislav Gavrikov to an extension

Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider: The Los Angeles Kings pending UFA signed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a two-year contract extension with a $5.875 million salary cap hit.

The Kings gave up a first-round pick as part of the package at the deadline to acquire Gavrikov and Joonas Korpisalo. He fit in right away.

Puck Pedia: Gavrikov’s two-year deal includes a full no-movement clause.

2023-24: $775,000 salary, $5.725 million signing bonus
2024-25: $775,000 salary, $4.475 million signing bonus

TSN: Chris Johnston said that it was Gavrikov who wanted the short term and is betting on himself.

“Gavrikov wanted a two-year contract and that’s because they were looking at a salary cap that’s expected to take a jump in 2024. He wanted to set himself up to be in a position to have a bigger payday then.”

Vladislav Gavrikov signs extension with #GoKingsGo

For the most part he has been more effective in real life than in fantasy, aside from a 33-point campaign in 2021-22. He is mostly a shot-blocker who offers a bit of everything else.https://t.co/4IGH2Bd1Jp pic.twitter.com/w3KlUgUoFT

— Frozen Tools (@FrozenTools) June 7, 2023