Chris Kunitz, Dupuis + Contract Updates
Chris Kunitz today signed a new three year extension to his deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins that will take him through to the 2016/17 season at an annual average cap hit of $3.85m. The deal kicks in at the end of next season. Personally I'm happy with this deal, it signs him up for the future and keeps a top player on the team who has the ability to continue producing for years to come. Kunitz had one of his best years despite the season being a shortened one due to the lockout finishing with 52 points, the second highest on the team. Kunitz has become a staple on the team since his trade from the Anaheim Ducks back in 2009 along with Eric Tangradi in a deal that say Whitney going the other way. A two time Stanley Cup winner his experience is always valued and greatly appreciated by the team.
Elsewhere Phillippe Dupuis has called time on his spell with the Penguins organization and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and moved to the German Elite League (DEL) for the Hamburg Freezers. He spent most of last season out injured but even when he was in the line-up he didn't perform as expected and finished with a measly 11 points in 34 games. He did turn it up for the play-offs but with prospects looking to maybe move up and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins having a problem with a lack of offensive scoring last season it's no surprise that he's gone.
Finally, contract updates. The other Dupuis, Pascal has been meeting with his agent Allan Walsh and has said to be in discussions with making a deal. The term is likely to be the issue with Dupuis pushing for a longer term than perhaps the Penguins may be willing to offer. Dupuis was second in the league last season in goals score SH and on EV. I'd be happy to see him resigned but I'd hope he isn't paired with Sid again. The line has been given it's time to work and as good as it is in the regular season, it isn't as successful in the play-offs. Dupuis would be a very worthwhile player to have on the third line. If he isn't signed then I have no doubt that he'll fine a deal elsewhere as he will be in demand from teams looking for that depth. Also on contract updates, Kris Letang. The Penguins are said to have tabled a "substantial offer" going from the quotes being received in the Canadian press. It is reported that the deal offered is around 8 years $55m which would come out to around a $7m cap hit. If Letang asks for more then expect him to be traded but I'd also much rather see him resigned for around $6m but anything can happen. If he isn't going to sign a new deal then we can expect to find out at the draft as that's the most likely time that he'll be traded if he is.
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