Report: Penguins Looking to Extend Top Defenseman
The Pittsburgh Penguins have already opened talks with a top defenseman about a contract extension.
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson is coming off, no doubt, the best season of his career. Appearing in all 82 games, Pettersson was arguably the best defensive defenseman on the Penguins roster and had a career year on offense.
Pettersson scored four goals and 26 assists for 30 points and was a plus-28 rating. All of which are career highs. It helped Pettersson played most of the season with Erik Karlsson, but that’s not an easy position to be in. Sometimes, some of the best players are the hardest to play with, and Pettersson never let his defensive ability slip.
Pettersson's standout year couldn’t come at a better time, as he is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason.
Despite having a year left on his current contract, the Penguins are already looking to secure Pettersson's services for the long term. According to thefourthperiod.com, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has initiated discussions with Pettersson and his agent.
“Dubas has also been in talks with defenseman Marcus Pettersson’s camp about a contract extension.”
The Fourth Period says the Penguins are looking for a long-term deal with Pettersson. At 27 years old, Pettersson has seven seasons under his belt, and a long-term deal would lock him into Pittsburgh for the entirety of his prime years.
When free agency opens up, the Penguins are expected to announce an extension for their captain, Sidney Crosby, who is also about to enter the final year of his contract. Soon after the Crosby extension is announced, Pettersson’s new deal will likely be revealed.
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