PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The headline on the Penguins website is 'Penguin For Life', the team agreeing to a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension with alternate captain Kris Letang.
It was the first time Letang hit free agency in his career and there was reported interest from several teams including his hometown, Montreal. It's also where his agent is the general manager.
Term of the deal was obviously important to Letang, at 35 years-old, the deal gives him a couple of seasons in his 40s.
"Kris epitomizes what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin," said Pens General Manager Ron Hextall in a statement released by the team. "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."
Drafted in the third round in 2005, the same draft as Sidney Crosby, Letang holds Penguins team records in games played, goals, assists and points. He's also scored 23 goals with 90 points in 149 career playoff games. Even with all the historic numbers, Letang is still an elite defenseman. From the number of minutes (fourth among NHL defensemen in 2021-22 at 25:47 per game) to the productivity (68 points), there still aren't many players like Letang.
"The way he conditions himself," said NHL Network/NHL Radio's David Pagnotta told the PM Team. "The way he takes his offseason regiment so seriously, I could certainly see him maintaining a similar pace for at least a couple more seasons."
No new news on free agent Evgeni Malkin as likely attention turns to intensifying talks with the veteran center.
Pens will pick 21st in the first round of the NHL Draft Thursday night starting at 7p. A first, first round pick for the Pens since 2019.
