Chelios’ Loyalty to Chicago Pays Off

Chris Chelios, a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, signed a three-year contract extension Thursday with the Chicago Blackhawks. The new deal is worth $3.5 million per season.

The contract runs through 1999-2000 and makes Chelios the Blackhawks’ highest-paid player. The only NHL defenseman earning more is Scott Stevens of the New Jersey Devils, who will make $3.75 million this season.

“By no means did they have to do this for me. Certainly, I’m grateful and, hopefully, I can repay them by helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. That’s really the only way I can repay them,” Chelios said at a news conference.

Chelios, who will turn 35 next month, is making $2.8 million this season. The Blackhawks had a $3 million option for next year, after which he was to become a free agent.

“Chris Chelios has earned this contract through his play on the ice but also for his dedication and loyalty to the Chicago Blackhawks,” club president William Wirtz said.

The 6-foot-1, 186-pound Chelios started his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1983. He was traded to Chicago with a second-round draft pick for Denis Savard on June 29, 1990.