Richard Panik likes being in Chicago.
The 25-year-old forward told Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune that he wants to return to the Chicago Blackhawks after the team wrapped up its end-of-the-season press conference Wednesday at the United Center.
Panik, who is set to become a restricted free agent, scored six goals and eight points in 30 games for Chicago after being acquired in January from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The left winger spent most of the season bouncing around the bottom-six forward group, and he saw some time on the top line as well.
Coach Joel Quenneville was pleased with his performance down the stretch and played him in the final six playoff games. Panik tallied an assist in each of the final three games while showcasing strong defensive play as well.
The NHL salary cap ceiling is estimated to be around $74 million next season. Panik is coming off a one-year, $975,000 contract. He’s a simple man and it doesn’t take much to make him happy.
Panik on #Blackhawks: “It’s how the organization treats us. We have breakfast — all-inclusive. It seems like I’m on vacation all the time.”
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 27, 2016