The NHL has seen several star players in the cap era take less than market value to remain with their teams, with an eye towards allowing those teams to retain other players and maintain success.

Of course, since 2005, the salary cap has been a reasonable mechanism for capping salaries because the ceiling has been at rec room levels rather than grand foyer. But as the NHL brings in billions (thanks, outdoor games!), the salary cap could reach $75 million by 2015.

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane go unrestricted next summer. The Chicago Blackhawks are already in talks about an extension. Bob McKenzie of TSN reports that Kane and Toews have made their first pitch ...

… and they’re asking for around $12 million per season.

From TSN:

McKenzie notes that both players will likely end up with a lower salary than their initial ask, but could still see $10 million per year averages. Toews and Kane each have one year remaining on their contracts. They both signed identical five-year $31.5 million contracts prior to the 2010-11 season.

Again, with the cap rising, this shouldn’t be an issue with regard to the Blackhawks’  roster. They have 10 players under contract for 2015-16, including Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith all making over $5 million.