The Bread Man is leaving no doubt that he deserves a little more dough.
Chicago Blackhawks rookie Artemi Panarin exploded in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, assisting on a Patrick Kane goal, then scoring two of his own, including his 30th of the season.
Panarin is due a $1.725-million bonus if he finishes top 10 in the NHL in points this season.
His first period eruption vaulted him into a tie for seventh with San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski at 77 points.
He's likely in line for performance bonuses totaling $2.575 million this season, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
General Fanager has the Blackhawks with a projected end-of-season cap space figure of $143,538, and they'd likely have to part ways with another player in the offseason to accommodate Panarin's raise.
(Video courtesy: NHL.com)
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