The contract was not structured to be moved easily.



That’s the most important thing to remember about the eight-year, $55 million contract extension Brent Seabrook signed on Sept. 26, 2015.



It began this season, and shouldn’t be forgotten as Artemi Panarin piles up the points in his second NHL season. Panarin, who’s racked up 11 points in just the past five games, is well on his way to achieving both of his performance bonuses for a second straight year.



If the Blackhawks don’t sign him to an extension before the end of the season, he’ll likely head into restricted free agency with a big number in mind. As it becomes more realistic that Panarin’s next contract will probably jump to around $7 million a season, Seabrook’s name and new contract enter the picture.



Some view Seabrook, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, as the next to go in the Blackhawks’ annual talent purge to stay under the NHL salary...