An arbitrator awarded Chicago Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually, the club announced Sunday.
Kurashev, whose hearing took place Thursday, was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
The Swiss forward of Russian descent collected nine goals and 16 assists over 70 games in 2022-23, his third season with the Blackhawks. His average ice time rose by over four minutes this past campaign, from 12:51 in 2021-22 to 17:25.
Chicago drafted Kurashev, who'll turn 24 around the time the new season begins on Oct. 12, with the 120th overall pick in 2018. He's represented Switzerland eight times on the international stage, taking part in three World Championships and two World Junior Championships.
The Blackhawks still have plenty of cap space even after acquiring Taylor Hall ($6-million cap hit) and Nick Foligno ($4 million) in a trade with the Boston Bruins on June 27 and signing Corey Perry for one season ($4 million) three days later. Unlike Foligno and Perry, Hall is on the books through 2024-25.
Chicago added the veterans after winning the draft lottery and selecting Connor Bedard first overall.
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