Daniel Carcillo signs extension with Blackhawks

The player that is commonly known as “car bomb” will call Chicago home for the next two seasons following the 2011-2012 NHL season. It was announced earlier today that the Chicago Blackhawks and forward Daniel Carcillo have agreed to a 2-year contract extension. According to various sources, it is assumed that the financial numbers round out to $825k per year. If true, Carcillo stands to receive a raise from his 1-year contract he signed last summer for $775k.

At only 26 years of age, Carcillo has made quite a name for himself around the league. The grinder has developed a reputation that might be synonymous with the words dirty and cheap. A few days into 2012, Carcillo had his season come to a halt after he was suspended for a hit that he placed on Oilers defenseman (now Wild defenseman post trade deadline) Tom Gilbert. Not only was Carcillo suspended 7 games for the hit, but he ultimately tore his left ACL during the physical play. Despite the season ending injury, many assume that Carcillo will be ready for the start of the 2012-2013 NHL season.

The new contract with the Blackhawks might come with strict guidelines for the gritty forward. It has been well documented that Carcillo has a unique ability to get under the skin of the opposition. However, how far over the line will he be willing to go? If he continues to play a style that mirrors his hit on Gilbert, his NHL career will be short lived. One would think that it would be in both the Blackhawks and Carcillo’s best interests if he would “shed” the car bomb nickname by playing at a level that fits within the NHL rules while still being an effective bottom six forward. For those looking for an active example, look no further than fellow forward Matt Cooke. Cooke was a player that had a similar “over the line” style that often got himself suspended. This season, Cooke has turned over a new leaf and has become a serviceable forward who can be relied on for penalty killing.

When Carcillo comes back next season, it’ll be interesting to see how much his style will change – if at all.

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