Penguins agree to terms with Kris Letang on a six-year contract extension

Kris Letang is a Penguin for life!

The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to terms with their star defenseman on a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension, which will pay Letang, a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, 2017) roughly $6.1 million per year through the 2027-28 campaign.

“Kris epitomizes what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” said general manager Ron 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 is the most accomplished defenseman in Penguins franchise history. He leads the team among defenseman in games played (941), goals (144), assists (506), and points (650). Furthermore, the 35-year-old Letang is also known for stepping it up in the postseason. The six-time NHL All-Star secured the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in San Jose. He also leads Pens defenseman in playoff games played (149), playoff goals (23), playoff assists (67), and playoff points (90). The six-time NHL All-Star secured the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in San Jose.

Only teammates Sidney Crosby (1,108) and Evgeni Malkin (981) have played more games in a Penguins jersey than Letang. The same can be said about their postseason appearances as Crosby (180) and Malkin (177) have the edge over Letang’s 149.

His 23 playoff goals (T-8th), 67 playoff assists (6th) and 90 playoff points (7th) all rank in the top-10 in franchise history. But among active defenseman, the 6-foot, 201-pound Letang is the Pied Piper.

Since his rookie season in 2006-2007, Letang’s 650 points are the third-most among all defensemen. The 2013 Norris Trophy finalist has also eclipsed the 50-point plateau four times in his career.

The Montreal, Quebec native was drafted by the Penguins in the third round (62nd overall) in the 2005 NHL Draft.

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