Hawks lock up Kane, Toews

— -- The Chicago Blackhawks have reached eight-year deals with star forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the team announced Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

A news conference to announce the signing will be held at the United Center next week.

Kane and Toews asked for a reported $12 million each per season when negotiations recently began between Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman and their agent, Pat Brisson. A source told ESPN NHL Insider Craig Custance that Kane and Toews would negotiate their contracts to ensure the Blackhawks could afford other quality players and be a Stanley Cup contender for the future.

Both players agreed to contract extensions in 2009 for five years and $31.5 million. The deals were due to expire after the 2014-15 season.

Kane, 25, and Toews, 26, were both top-five draft picks by the Blackhawks and began their NHL careers in 2007. They have won two Stanley Cups together, been to six consecutive playoffs and reached four Western Conference finals.

Kane has 178 goals and 315 assists in 515 career regular-season games, and Toews has 195 goals and 245 assists in 484 career games.

Information from ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers was used in this report.