Avon’s Smith signs two-year extension with Blackhawks

Avon native Ben Smith has signed a two-year contract extension with the Blackhawks after his first full season in the NHL. (Photo courtesy Chicago Blackhawks via Facebook)

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward Ben Smith on a two-year contract extension, which runs through the end of the 2015-16 National Hockey League season.

Smith, 25, recorded career highs in nearly every statistical category this past season, posting 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) in 75 regular-season games with the Blackhawks.

The Avon, Conn., native won 50.8 percent (200 of 394) of his faceoffs and ranked second among team forwards with 58 blocked shots. Smith notched a career-best two points (1G, 1A) on March 16 vs. Detroit, including his first career game-winner. He registered a career-long three-game goal streak (three goals) from April 3-6.

Chicago’s 2008 sixth-round draft pick (169th overall), Smith added four goals and two assists in 19 Stanley Cup playoff games this spring. The Blackhawks were eliminated in game 7 of the Western Conference final in overtime by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

Smith shared third on the team with a +5 plus/minus rating and 28 blocked shots during the postseason.

A member of Chicago’s 2013 Stanley Cup championship team, Smith has recorded 30 points (18G, 12A) in 95 regular-season contests with Chicago and has nine points (7G, 2A) in 27 postseason games.

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun and the Chicago Tribune each reported that the deal is worth $3 million or $1.5 million per season.

The Boston College graduate has registered 109 points (61G, 48A) in 155 career American Hockey League games with the Rockford IceHogs, in addition to one goal in three postseason tilts.

Professional statistics
Year: Club                   GP  G  A   Pts   GW
2011: Rockford (AHL)  63  19  12  31   3
2011: Chicago (NHL)     6    1   0    1      0
2012: Rockford (AHL)  38  15  16  31   2
2012: Chicago (NHL)   13   2    0    2     0
2013: Rockford (AHL)  54  27  20  47   8
2013: Chicago (NHL)     1    1   0    1     0
2014: Chicago (NHL)   75  14  12  26   2
NHL totals                    95  18  12  30   2

NHL playoff statistics
Year: Club                   GP  G  A   Pts   GW
2011: Chicago              7     3   0    3      1
2013: Chicago              1     0   0    0      0
2014: Chicago             19    4   2    6      0
Playoff totals                27    7   2    9      1