BLOG: Delia on his contract
The Blackhawks rookie goaltender agreed to a three-year extension with the club on Monday
by Chris Wescott / blackhawks.com
Collin Delia was all smiles on Monday following the announcement that he and the team have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension worth an annual average value of $1 million through the 2021-22 season.
"To have an offer on a three-year contract is just amazing," he said. "I was very happy, very pleased and happy to spend three more years in Chicago."
This is the 24-year-old goaltender's first real look at NHL action and he hasn't disappointed. He has a record of 6-2-3 this season with an impressive 2.98 GAA AND .923 save percentage.
Video: Collin Delia on his extension
"For me, it's all new territory," he said of the negotiations. "I had no idea how it worked. I was asking a bunch of guys 'hey, do you know what to expect?' Because it was completely out of the blue. It was really cool to go through the process for my first time and have it be that amicable between myself and the team, to have that reciprocation of trust and belief in each other. It's really nice."
The Blackhawks have liked Delia's development after he took the next step in the offseason.
"I just think his confidence has really come out," said Head Coach Jeremy Colliton. "I think his first few games in Rockford, he didn't have that as much. It was probably in him, but he's really believed in himself. Nothing seems to rattle him, whether it's a tough period or bad goal or a rough stretch. In that position, that's really important. The technical and athletic ability is there but I think a lot of guys have it. It's the extra. How do you survive when things go against you? It's been nice to see."