CRANBERRY TWP (93.7 The Fan) – He still plays the most minutes, third on the team in points (just 5 from the lead), won three Stanley Cups and is a free agent after the season. Is defenseman Kris Letang starting to hear/see the rumors and speculation about his pending free agency?
"That noise has been in my ears for eight years," Letang said after practice on Wednesday. "I'm 34, I've been through those things, it doesn't really bother me anymore."
A native of Montreal, several reports, or maybe even guesses given the time of year, about finishing his career with the Canadiens. It would have to be a long contract as the 16-year veteran told us in January he wants to play at least five more years.
Even with all of those minutes and miles on his skates, Letang is one assist from being tops among all NHL defensemen this season and sixth in the NHL in points among defensemen.
"He's quietly had a really solid year for us," said Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan. "He's been rock solid and when he plays that way for us he drives our offense. He helps us get out of our end zone. He really has such an impact on our overall game."
It's the last year of an eight-year, $58 million dollar contract. It may cost the Pens more to keep him when you think of the value of a still elite defenseman with championship pedigree. There will be multiple suitors.
The question will be the years, the Pens were criticized by some for giving him an eight-year contract, eight years ago. What if they were to sign a 34-year-old defenseman to a five-year contract or more?
There is still plenty of time before those decisions are made. I'm sure the team is having internal conversations, but even though he's aware of his situation. Letang says his thoughts are elsewhere in early March.
"It's out of my control right now," Letang said. "I want to focus on what is important and that's with our team this year and trying to win a championship and that's it."
Road Trip
Pens play back-to-back road games Thursday night in Tampa Bay and Friday in Carolina. There is a chance Teddy Blueger makes the trip. The forward practiced full again on Wednesday.
