Letang “a penguin for life”
Image Courtesy of: Chaz Palla Tribune-Review
The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed veteran defenseman Kris Letang to a 6-year $36 million ($6.1 million AAV) extension. The 3-time Stanley Cup Champion will remain in Pittsburgh for the remainder of his career. The deal will carry out until the 2027-28 campaign when Letang will be 41-years-old. Letang has been playing some of the best hockey of his career at such a late stage but has been a leader on the team for years. Letang was drafted by the Penguins 62nd overall in the 2005 draft and has been with the team since 2006. He, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin have been trio of dominance since their debuts in 2005-06.
Letang now 35, posted a 10G-58A-68P, stat line (which was a career best) last season in 78 games played. He also posted a 20 +/- as well. Letang is one of the most accomplished defensemen to ever play. He also holds a ton of records for a Penguins defenseman, such as, goals (144) assists (506), games played (941), points (650). As well as postseason records, goals (23), assists (67), points (90), and games played (149).
“Kris epitomizes what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” GM Ron Hextall said. “The role he plays on our team is irreplaceable, he is a leader in our locker room, and has made countless contributions to the organization over the last 15-plus years, which includes three Stanley Cup Championships. We are thrilled to make him a Penguin for life”
Letang will look to add another Stanley Cup to his resume along with Crosby and possibly Malkin. But the window is closing and some may start to speculate if he will be able to finish his contract due to his age and earlier health issues. Two-thirds of the trio is back but some have doubts if Malkin will return. This $36.6 million deal took a huge chunk out of the team’s $58 million in salary cap. So now the question how much of that will go to Evgeni Malkin and others like Rickard Rakell. The Penguins will definitely have to find a way to save some cash if they want to resign Malkin as well. Whether that be via trade or release there are some ways that the Penguins and save and sign Malkin before the season starts. They way things are headed it could be till after the draft that we see any kind of deal made or if any with Malkin.
