Penguins re-sign Bortuzzo

This was announced the other day but I've only got around to it just now. The Penguins re-signed Defenceman Robert Bortuzzo to a new 2 year deal with an average value of $600,000 meaning that the deal is worth $1.2m over the 2 years. Bortuzzo had his first "full" NHL season this year and performed admirable for a lower pair defenceman. He finished the season with 4 points in 15 games and notched a career highlight in his first professional goal against the New Jersey Devils on February 2nd.

During the lockout he played for the Penguins affiliate Wilkes-Barre Scranton in the American Hockey League and he turned out 31 times finishing with 4 points. Bortuzzo has played four season for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins now and at the age of 24 has matured to be a capable bottom pairing Defenceman. For a team that is up against the cap as the Penguins his deal is a favourable one as it is a low cost one and on a short term.

Over the coming years we should see some of the Penguins Defensive prospect come through to replace the older players and those on bigger deals as we start to reap the rewards of Shero's drafting focus. We have Oli Maatta, Derrick Pouliot, Scott Harrington and Brian Dumolin who are anticipated to make the NHL in one capacity or another.