The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed free-agent defenceman Kris Letang to six -year contract, worth $36.6 million, or $6.6 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2027-28 season.
PENGUIN FOR LIFE!
The Penguins have agreed to terms with defenseman Kris Letang on a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension.
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— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 7, 2022
Letang Stays With the Penguins
Letang has played his entire 16-year career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has scored 144 goals and 506 assists for 650 career points in 941 career games. He was initially drafted in the third round, 62nd overall of the 2005 NHL draft by the Penguins.
Last season he scored 10 goals and 58 assists for 68 points. He also added 49 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 51.2 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 4.4.
Letang Adds Offensive Element
Letang has been the kingpin of the Penguins’ blueline for many years. He has much experience quarterbacking the power-play as a number one defenceman. He has reached double-digits in goals in eight of his 16 seasons thus far. While not known for his defensive work, his passing ability should help with defensive-zone exits.
He has recorded 30 assists or more in nine seasons over his career. This passing ability, along with his shot, will help the power-play. Double-digit power-play point totals have been a regular occurrence throughout his career.
Championship Experience But Injuries a Concern
Letang was a part of the Penguins’ championship core when they won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Letang have been the three mainstays for the Penguins during the last decade and a half.
While Letang should help the offence, he has not always remained healthy. He has only played 70 games or more six times. He has endured multiple concussions, broken bones, and a variety of other ailments. These injuries have resulted in him missing 153 games or almost two full seasons of hockey. As always, the success of this contract from the team’s perspective will be determined by Letang’s availability and production throughout the deal.
🚨SIGNING UPDATE🚨: Penguins sign D Kris Letang to a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension…
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