Superstars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are sticking with the Chicago Blackhawks, inking on Wednesday contracts that will essentially glue them to their gear for the next eight years. But that shouldn't worry them in the economics department because, as USA Today reports, they will receive the NHL's highest current annual average salary of $10.5 million.

Toews and Kane inked $84-million contracts through 2022-23, Yahoo Sports says. They had stepped on uncharted territory, becoming the first hockey players to rake in more than eight figures annually under the cap.

Blackhawks President and CEO John McDonough told USA Today that it was "an important milestone in franchise history." Now, the team won't have to worry about not having the athletes in their lineup next summer if they opt for free agency, the report explains. 

The first to break the $10-million annual average salary ceiling since the cap was placed in 2005, both come from $6.3-million cap hits, the Yahoo report adds. Washington Capitals player Alex Ovechkin's $9,538,462 until 2021 is effectively overthrown.

"I could not be more grateful for the amazing moments and opportunities I've been given by the Chicago Blackhawks," Toews said in a statement, as quoted by ESPN. "To have the chance to continue with this amazing group of teammates and people throughout the organization is an incredible honor."

Kane felt the same way, with the same report quoting him as saying, "It's great to be able to continue my career in Chicago. Playing with the best organization in sports and the best fans in the game is a blessing."

Toews and Kane are at the center of Blackhawks renaissance–with two Stanley Cup championships to show for it–Yahoo Sports claims. Thus, the team's willingness to go the extra mile to get the pair to sign. It was a well thought-out play on the part general manager Stan Bowman, USA Today agrees, all to preserve the power of the franchise in the NHL.

The rise to huge success coincides with Rocky Wirtz taking the baton from his late father Bill Wirtz, the report says, but he would attribute much of the limelight to Toews and Kane. "There are not two finer symbols of that (the Blackhawks' success) than Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane," the report quotes him as saying. 

The Blackhawks claimed 11 playoff games last spring, with Toews and Kane contributing eight game-winning goals, USA Today recalls. The two, friends although they have contrasting personalities, have galvanized themselves as the big star twosome of the NHL. Perhaps that's something to pay big bucks for.