The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to terms with defenseman Kris Letang on a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension, it was announced today by general manager Ron Hextall. The contract carries an average annual value of $6.1 million.
"Kris epitomizes what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,"
said Hextall.
"The role he plays on our team is irreplaceable, he is a leader in our locker room, and has made countless contributions to the organization over the last 15-plus years, which includes three Stanley Cup Championships. We are thrilled to make him a Penguin for life."
Letang, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion in 2009, 2016 and 2017, is the most accomplished defenseman in Penguins history, as he owns every single significant team record for a blueliner. Letang tops team annals among defensemen in games played (941), goals (144), assists (506) and points (650), as well as playoff games played (149), playoff goals (23), playoff assists (67) and playoff points (90).
Since entering the league in 2006-07, the 35-year old's 650 points are the third-most among all defensemen. The 2013 Norris Trophy Finalist has hit the 50-point plateau six times in his career, the most among active defensemen (tied), as well as all blueliners in Penguins history.
The Montreal, QC native was drafted by the Penguins in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft. His 650 points are the most by any player chosen in the third round or later in his draft class.
