Artemi Panarin is fresh off a great rookie season. He won Rookie of the Year and returned to Russia a hero. As he ascends his sophmore season with the Blackhawks he looks for ways to grow both mentally and on the ice. Still a little timid he looks t...
I'm not one to keep secrets. Quite frankly it's because I'm terrible at it, but the biggest thing to have happened to me since I signed with the Hawks was in the works and I didn't want to jinx anything. I know that Annabelle hated the thought of me leaving and I didn't want to go anywhere else. There wasn't much I wasn't willing to do to stay here. Chicago was my home now, Russia will always be the place I come back to but Chicago will be where I want to play. The team itself is amazing, Jonny is the best captain and such a great guy. He takes care of everyone and leads by example. Seabs and Duncs would be captains just about anywhere else but would rather wear the A here because the team is just that special. They've both bailed me out of so many bad defensive plays I know that if I played anywhere else I would be doomed. That goes for the whole defense. I've gotten so close to Corey lately, we always mess around and go out to eat on the road. He's super funny and super humble, love being his teammate. Of course this team is nothing without Patrick, from what he did in 2010 to what he did last year, it's a honor to play besides him. And I have a special place in my heart for the fellow Russian Artem who pulls the extra weight when Pat and I decide to play like ass. I've gotten to grow off of people like Hossa, I would be honored to be half as successful as him. This team... this is my team and I want to be considered one of the greats along side of them. I don't want to be like Shaw or Saad, I know how much I'm worth but I also know how much I should take in order to stay put. I just know I can do great things with them and them only.
During the practice before we leave for our small road trip Stan comes to watch, and more importantly meet with me about a possible contract extension. The whole time I hear people's whispers about why he could be here and I was praying no one pointed the finger to me. But I get through practice without a questions and quickly shower then change to meet with him and my agent. "Hey Artemi, nice to see you again" Stan says as we sit down for a late lunch. "Same to you Stan" I say with a smile. When he originally signed me I always appreciated how he carried himself. He's professional and understanding and makes this process so much easier. We order food and drinks before negotiating. "I just want to say that what you have done with us so far, it's been a treat to watch. I've never seen anyone come in and do what you have. I understand you could have gone so many other places or stayed in Russia. I'm glad you chose us" he starts. "I wouldn't dream about being anywhere else. This team is my family now and I know you guys offer me intangibles no other team can" I admit. "I'm glad to hear that. Now I'm sure you're well aware of of our cap situation" he continues. "We are. And I've talked to Artemi about this extensively and we are willing to compromise if needed" my agent informs him. "That's great to hear. I'm happy you're so fond of the organization" Stan says turning to me. "Of course. There's no place I would rather be" I explain. "Alrighty then. After talking with your agent I think we found a contract that works for both sides at 6 million for two more years. Trust me when I say we want to keep you for more. If it was up to us we would have you start and end your career as a Blackhawk. But money is tight and the foreseeable future seems to end at two years. Who's to say after two years we can find a way to keep you longer, but for right now all we can promise is 6 million for two years" he explains and I nod. "Honestly that sounds great. I know Annabelle worries about me leaving and this gives her no reason to. I know I can make more someone else but they can offer more money but not more opportunities that you guys. I'm happy here and don't want to win a championship here. I'll take the deal" I conclude and Stan smiles. "So you and the sports therapist. I can see that. When I hired her I knew she would be of great services. I didn't know she would help me keep you in Chicago to be honest" he laughs. "She's a dynamic girl. She defiantly has her way with me" I admit. I sign the contract and enjoy a nice dinner with Stan and my agent.
I return to Annabelles apartment, or home now I guess, and she was taking down her Christmas stuff and putting up some new sports memorabilia. She had a newspaper from Buffalo talking about Tyler's return and other things from the Cubs winning the World Series last month. "Hey babe, how was lunch" she asks as I make my way in. "Really good, I've got something I want to tell you" I say and she stops. "Should I leave" Tyler asks and I shake my head. "As long as you can keep your mouth shut you can stay" I laugh and he nods. I trust him. "What's going on" she asks as we join Tyler in the living room. "I wasn't actually at lunch with Jonny. I was with Stan and my agent trying to work out a deal to extend my contract. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to get anyones hopes up but I got a deal for two more years at 6 million a year. It's just a bridge deal but it gives me comfort for a while" I explain. "Congrats bro, nice of you to take a hometown discount" he jokes. Someone's been reading was to many sports articles. "You're seriously staying" Annabelle asks and I nod. "Oh my god that's amazing. I'm so proud of you" she yells leaping into my arms. "You know, you're a big reason I took the deal" I whisper into her hair. "I didn't want to lose you" she says softly as I give her a squeeze letting her know I wasn't going anywhere.
We have dinner as this is the last time we would all be together. Tyler is staying to watch Puck until we get back from the winter classic then he's heading home to train to come back and play next year. Plus he gets to be with Erica so I'm not sure how sad he was to leave. "Thanks for letting me stay here little sis. Besides the whole cancer thing I really enjoyed it" Tyler says. "You know my door are always open to you. If you ever need anything let me know and I'm there" she smiles. "And thanks for helping me and my sister out. I know we're crazy and a hand full more times than not. But you kept up well and taught me how to play FIFA so I think we'll remain good friends. Who knows, maybe you'll be a part of the family some day" he says nudging my arm and Annabelle's eyes get real big. If only she knew my intentions with her...
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