By
MF,
The Pens Hockey Show
The Penguins GM Ray Shero is the NHL GM of the year
for many reasons. His amazing ways of signing players is just one. The Pens
were looking at possibly losing a few
key players, or that they wouldn’t be able to afford to keep some of them. Well,
Shero has worked his magic once again.
First
Kris Letang, who had one year left on his current contract, has agreed to terms
with the Penguins on an eight year contract extension worth $58 million. So that
is $7.25 million annually for the young, Norris Trophy Nominee.
Shero
didn’t stop there, as he announced the new contract for Pascal Dupuis, who was
to become a free agent. Not anymore. Dupuis’ new contract is for four years at
$3.75 million annually. Dupuis has 5 plus years on the Penguins team and will
be adding to those years.
As
for Letang’s contract extension, I am thrilled to see it. Now don’t get me
wrong, Letang did struggle at times and against the Boston Bruins, but that
doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a top caliber defensemen. Every player goes through
a tough time. A great example is Paul Martin, last season he was trashed by
fans and was in trading rumors. Shero kept him on and it was the right
decision. Martin put all the doubters in their place and had an amazing season.
Letang deserved a raise and he got it.
On
the Dupuis front, I’m jumping at the news that he has re-signed with the
Penguins. It’s great to see that our top line of Dupuis, Crosby, and Kunitz is staying
intact. I was uncertain if the Penguins would be able to keep Dupuis with them
being close to the salary cap and if the Letang deal could make it impossible.
Shero proved me wrong and closed the deal. Dupuis had expressed how he wanted
to stay in Pittsburgh and his family loved it in there. I think that helped
Shero get Dupuis to sign to this deal, as he could have raised more money
somewhere else. I think that speaks to what a great place Pittsburgh is and
what an amazing organization the Penguins are.
So
far the Penguins haven’t changed all that much. The only change that Shero has
made is trading Tyler Kennedy to the San Jose Sharks for a 2nd
round, 50th overall draft pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.
I don’t doubt Shero and I look
forward to seeing his future moves in the off season. The day I think that I am
better then Shero, I will make sure to apply for his job (that should be the
same for all the doubters). As a fan, I am ready to sit back and watch some great
hockey, and Shero doesn’t disappoint once again.
