Playing alongside standout NHL rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews has boosted Patrick Sharp's point totals and on Thursday earned him a big pay raise.

The 26-year-old Chicago Blackhawks forward signed a four-year contract extension worth $15.6 million US.

Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon says Patrick Sharp has taken on a leadership role with the team this season.
(Mark Avery/Associated Press)

Sharp, who is earning $825,000 this season, would have become a restricted free agent July 1. His new deal will pay him an average $3.9 million annually, starting next season.

"We're very excited about having Patrick Sharp in the fold for the next four years," Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement.

"His play and his attitude have been outstanding and he has taken on a real leadership role with our team. We feel that Patrick is an integral part of the future of our team."

Sharp has already established career highs with 22 goals and 36 points this season. He had 20 goals and 35 points in 80 games last season.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to continue my career with the Blackhawks," said Sharp. "I love the city of Chicago and the Chicago fans and I want to be here for a long time. I feel that our team has improved and continues to get better.

"Team success is a product of individual success and I will do everything I can to help bring a championship to the city of Chicago."

Sharp was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers along with forward Eric Meloche on Dec. 5, 2005, in exchange for Matt Ellison and a third-round pick in the 2006 entry draft.

With files from the Canadian Press