Near the top of Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman’s checklist this offseason will be signing forward Artemi Panarin to a long-term deal.



Having signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Blackhawks, Panarin’s contract comes up quickly. He surpassed all expectations this past season and will likely be awarded with the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie later this month. His season gave the Blackhawks a glimpse to what he can be in the future, especially alongside Patrick Kane, and certainly raised Panarin’s future price tag.



Here’s what you need to know about the two sides’ upcoming negotiations and Panarin’s next contract with the Blackhawks.



How long can Panarin’s contract expected to be?



Panarin will still technically be a restricted free agent after next season. If he was younger, he and the Blackhawks would be talking a cheaper bridge deal. But because Panarin will be nearly 26...