While the Chicago Blackhawks have a number of RFAs and UFAs to deal with ahead of free agency on July 1, general manager Kyle Davidson also has to be thinking about key players who are eligible to sign contract extensions this summer.

Philipp Kurashev (left, No. 23) celebrates a goal with Connor Bedard

Philipp Kurashev's contract isn't over until 2025, but he has to be one of the priorities to get signed as soon as possible...or is he? A player can only go to arbitration once, and Kurashev has already done that to settle on the two-year, $2.25 million AAV contract he's on right now. He signed it in July of 2023 after a salary arbitration award.

If Kurashev can get $2.25 million AAV while scoring nine goals and 25 points in 70 games in 2022-23, he will be in line to get paid handsomely on his next deal going off his production this season and trajectory.

The 24-year-old Kurashev recorded 18 goals and 54 points in 75 games in 2023-24. His minus-44 plus/minus rating (tied with Connor Bedard for second-worst in the NHL) remains an issue, but that's a concern for many players on a rebuilding Blackhawks team that finished in 31st place at 23-53-6 and had a minus-111 goals differential.

Davidson waited until the middle of the summer to work with Kurashev last time, and rightfully so. The Swiss national was inconsistent even though he had speed, puck skills and finishing ability. Kurashev also hadn't established himself as a top line option yet either. This season he was a much-improved player and is worthy of a longer deal and more money.

Last summer, Kurashev reportedly asked for one year at $2.65 million per year, while the Blackhawks offered $1.4 million for two years. The NHL's independent arbitrator sided with the team for the term, while the cap hit was close to Kurashev's request.

There are a few options Davidson can take this time around with Kurashev and a contract. The winger will still be a RFA at the end of next season, so there is team control and less urgency. But the Blackhawks likely don't want anything to happen or have him miss training camp or any games at the start of the 2025-26 season if a contract still isn't signed.

Connor Bedard on chemistry with linemate and pal Philipp Kurashev.

The Blackhawks can get ahead of it and sign Kurashev to an extension this summer, one year before his contract is over. This would not only reward him for his solid play, but lock up another young core piece with cost-certainty. Not many players typically sign during the season, but a mid-season extension would still be on the table.

Contract-wise, the worst scenario for the Blackhawks would be for Kurashev break out further in 2024-25 and put up bigger numbers — without having signed a contract extension — then demand huge numbers in Summer 2025. This is how contract talks get dragged out with some players. Kurashev could bet on himself, but it can be risky for the player to do so. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't.

After finding consistency and being able to play beside Connor Bedard on the top line and power play, why wouldn't Kurashev look to get a contract done as soon as he can? There is motivation for both sides, and even with a lot expected to be going on in Chicago this summer, Kurashev is a top priority.

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