PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Coming out of Harvard, Pens defenseman John Marino likely knows a little something about finance. Marino went from making $925,000 as a rookie to around five times that every year for the next six.
“Definitely been soaking it all in and I don’t know if it’s really hit me yet,” Marino said Sunday. “I was just thinking about skating as a kid, your parents were taking you to the rink; that sacrifice has kind of paid off.”
The contract begins after this season, so this deal helps the Pens with the salary cap for the shortened 2021 season.
“It kind of happened gradually,” Marino said of the contract talks. “Just going back and forth and seeing numbers. I don’t even know how much I’m allowed to say, honestly. I’m glad we could figure something out. I’m glad I could be a Pittsburgh Penguin for years to come.”
"We are very fortunate to have a young, skilled defenseman like John in our organization," GM Jim Rutherford said in a statement. "His rookie season proved he is a top-four defenseman with great hockey sense. We were impressed with his strong defensive play and look forward to watching him develop offensively. "
The 23-year-old Marino played in 56 games with six goals and 20 assists last season. Marino also was a team best plus-17. The Massachusetts native was fourth best among rookie defensemen in points.
“I think it’s important to stay with a team that really wants you,” Marino said. “Wants you to develop and progress as you go along in your career. It seems like a great fit with the coaches and the teammates. You might not have some of the same guys around later in your career, but you definitely want to be with an organization that wants you.”
Marino was a sixth round pick by the Oilers in 2015, played three years at Harvard. In July of last year, the Pens acquired Marino from Edmonton for a sixth round pick as Rutherford said he ‘had a chance to play at the NHL level”.
With his six goals, Marino had only two fewer in the NHL than he did his entire college career. It’s that side of the ice where Marino is looking for improvement.
“Maybe just being a little more confident with the puck in the O-zone,” Marino said. “When you are first coming in as a rookie, your first instinct is you don’t want to mess up. You just want to play it safe, make the right play.”
“You know maybe be a little more aggressive on the rush or little things like that. Not get too crazy. I think the confidence comes with it. You already have a year under your belt. You know your teammates better. Hopefully the chemistry is there too.”
Marino likely will be paired with Marcus Pettersson again this year, as the two are months apart in age. Each signed to long contracts.
“Definitely, I think we have a great group of D,” Marino said. “I think we have a great D corps. We have a great group of guys. We kind of feed off each other.”
On-ice training camp starting Monday.