Penguins GM Ray Shero, the Magician: Kris Letang and Pascal Dupuis Locked In

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 2^nd round, 50^th 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.