Blackhawks agree to terms with Bollig on extension

The Chicago Blackhawks on Monday agreed to terms with forward Brandon Bollig on a three-year contract extension.

Terms were not released by the team, but according to reports it has an average annual value of $1.25 million.

"I was hoping it would happen," Bollig said. "Obviously we've been talking and my contract was up after this year, and I was hoping I would remain a Blackhawks and it worked out for me."

Bollig has six goals and 12 points this season in 62 games after going scoreless in 43 NHL games prior to this season. He also leads the team with 138 hits and 69 penalty minutes.

"We take a great amount of pride in having watched Brandon come up through our system and become a big part of our lineup on a daily basis," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "We are pleased to be able to come to this agreement with him, ensuring that he will remain a part of our organization. We look forward to seeing his continued development with the Blackhawks."

Bollig spoke about working during the offseason to improve himself as a player.

"This summer I stayed here and trained and utilized all the things in this organization that we have to make us better," Bollig said. "Our strength coach and our skills and skating coach were huge for me. It was kind of all the little things, the skill part of it and I think confidence is a big part. Coming into the season, for whatever reason, my mind kind of changed. Last year, I obviously enjoyed the success, but as far as my own personal game, I kind of let that stay behind me and focused on a new part of my game and expanding my role."

Bollig has been a key fixture on the fourth line this season with Marcus Kruger and Ben Smith.

"It's huge. Obviously point production isn't what we're out there for, but the role we've been playing, as far as playing against other teams' top two lines is huge for us. And that's giving us those valuable minutes on the ice and a good important role on the team," Bollig said. "It's nice as a fourth line that we have responsibility and I can only hope that it stays the same."

Bollig, 27, was signed as a free agent on April 3, 2010.

NHL.com correspondent Brian Hedger contributed to this report