The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t dwelling on a disappointing end of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs that saw them getting eliminated by the NY Rangers despite a 3-1 lead at one point. Instead, the organization is already getting ready for another run next season.

One of the biggest offseason tasks that Pittsburgh’s front office is facing is the status of franchise legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The veteran All-Star duo is entering the free agency for the first time in their career, and retaining them will be a challenge, especially from a financial standpoint.

Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Penguins’ general manager Ron Hextall admitted the franchise might have a hard time re-signing Malkin and Letang. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t make an attempt.

“In a perfect world, [Malkin] retires a Penguin,” Hextall explained. “And I think Tanger’s [Letang’s nickname] the same.”

Malkin, who will turn 36 in July, struggled with injuries in 2021-22 but still managed to contribute with 42 points (20 goals and 22 assists) in 41 games. However, it is hard to see Pittsburgh giving him anywhere close to the $9.5 million he earned last season.

On the other hand, Letang delivered a career year despite turning 35 in April. The defenseman had 68 points, his most as a pro while remaining reliable and playing 78 games. He looks more likely to stay from the duo, especially since he recently said that playing in Pittsburgh in 2022-23 remains his priority.

“They’re both great athletes,” Hextall added. “They both have been here a long time. They’re both performing at a high level right now. We’d certainly like to have them in the mix come September.”

The post Penguins GM Says Team Wants to Keep Legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins saw their dreams about third consecutive Stanley Cup being ended on Monday by the Washington Capitals, who comfortably ended the round 2 series in six games. Following the defeat, Penguins’ front office started thinking about possible changes.

Team’s general manager Jim Rutherford recently spoke with the reporters and acknowledged that the team will make some roster changes. The nucleus of the team that won Stanley Cups in the previous two seasons will likely to remain intact.

“I think it’s obvious that I’m going to keep an open mind to making some changes, and I will make some changes,” – said Rutherford on Thursday. “I can’t give you a definite answer on who that’s going to be right now and exactly which positions, but we’re a good team. We will be a good team going forward.“

“I think it is fair to say this will be a different-looking team by the time we open next season. It doesn’t mean there’s going to be drastic changes and a lot of changes, but there will be changes in the areas that will become necessary.” – he explained.

Pittsburgh Penguins finished the 2017-18 regular season with 47-29-6 record, trailing two games in the win column behind the Capitals in Metropolitan Division. They faced the Philadelphia Flyers in round 1 and ended up winning in six games. Still, the Capitals proved to be a tough challenge and Penguins just couldn’t find their composure, blowing a third-period lead in regulation in two games.

In 2017, Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team in almost 20 years to win two consecutive Stanley Cups. They were aiming to become the first team to do a three-peat since New York Islanders in 1982.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins to Make Some Changes Following Playoff Exit According to GM Jim Rutherford appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t dwelling on a disappointing end of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs that saw them getting eliminated by the NY Rangers despite a 3-1 lead at one point. Instead, the organization is already getting ready for another run next season.

One of the biggest offseason tasks that Pittsburgh’s front office is facing is the status of franchise legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The veteran All-Star duo is entering the free agency for the first time in their career, and retaining them will be a challenge, especially from a financial standpoint.

Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Penguins’ general manager Ron Hextall admitted the franchise might have a hard time re-signing Malkin and Letang. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t make an attempt.

“In a perfect world, [Malkin] retires a Penguin,” Hextall explained. “And I think Tanger’s [Letang’s nickname] the same.”

Malkin, who will turn 36 in July, struggled with injuries in 2021-22 but still managed to contribute with 42 points (20 goals and 22 assists) in 41 games. However, it is hard to see Pittsburgh giving him anywhere close to the $9.5 million he earned last season.

On the other hand, Letang delivered a career year despite turning 35 in April. The defenseman had 68 points, his most as a pro while remaining reliable and playing 78 games. He looks more likely to stay from the duo, especially since he recently said that playing in Pittsburgh in 2022-23 remains his priority.

“They’re both great athletes,” Hextall added. “They both have been here a long time. They’re both performing at a high level right now. We’d certainly like to have them in the mix come September.”

The post Penguins GM Says Team Wants to Keep Legends Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Pittsburgh Penguins saw their dreams about third consecutive Stanley Cup being ended on Monday by the Washington Capitals, who comfortably ended the round 2 series in six games. Following the defeat, Penguins’ front office started thinking about possible changes.

Team’s general manager Jim Rutherford recently spoke with the reporters and acknowledged that the team will make some roster changes. The nucleus of the team that won Stanley Cups in the previous two seasons will likely to remain intact.

“I think it’s obvious that I’m going to keep an open mind to making some changes, and I will make some changes,” – said Rutherford on Thursday. “I can’t give you a definite answer on who that’s going to be right now and exactly which positions, but we’re a good team. We will be a good team going forward.“

“I think it is fair to say this will be a different-looking team by the time we open next season. It doesn’t mean there’s going to be drastic changes and a lot of changes, but there will be changes in the areas that will become necessary.” – he explained.

Pittsburgh Penguins finished the 2017-18 regular season with 47-29-6 record, trailing two games in the win column behind the Capitals in Metropolitan Division. They faced the Philadelphia Flyers in round 1 and ended up winning in six games. Still, the Capitals proved to be a tough challenge and Penguins just couldn’t find their composure, blowing a third-period lead in regulation in two games.

In 2017, Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team in almost 20 years to win two consecutive Stanley Cups. They were aiming to become the first team to do a three-peat since New York Islanders in 1982.

The post Pittsburgh Penguins to Make Some Changes Following Playoff Exit According to GM Jim Rutherford appeared first on SportzBonanza.