Penguins, Kris Letang agree to six-year, $36.6M extension

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang inked a long-term extension. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Penguins, Kris Letang agree to six-year, $36.6 million extension

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/7/22

Kris Letang has spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins since being drafted by the franchise in the third round in 2005. The 35-year-old defenseman took a big step on Thursday toward ensuring that he finishes his playing days with the Pens.

PENGUIN FOR LIFE!

The Penguins have agreed to terms with defenseman Kris Letang on a six-year, $36.6 million contract extension.

Details: https://t.co/QyYvtPAm3v pic.twitter.com/UeONaY63EN
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 7, 2022

Penguins general manager Ron Hextall said Wednesday that he would be "surprised" if the team didn't re-sign the six-time All-Star. Letang finished the 2021-2022 campaign with 10 goals and 58 assists for 68 points in 78 games.

Hextall on @Letang_58: "Kris epitomizes what it means to be a Penguin. 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+ years, which includes three championships." pic.twitter.com/GW6l8tbSAM
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 7, 2022

The Montreal native is among the greatest players in Pittsburgh history, holding multiple franchise records. Letang is first among all Penguins defenseman in games played (941), goals (144), assists (506) and points (650).

He's also been a significant piece along with fellow mid-2000s draft selections Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the team's three Stanley Cup titles during the millennium. Letang is first among all Pittsburgh defensemen in playoff games played (149), playoff goals (23), playoff assists (67) and playoff points (90).

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