Penguins sign defenceman Marcus Pettersson to five-year extension
It appears as if Jim Rutherford is not taking any chances when it came to locking down his young core.
Early Tuesday morning the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they had come to terms with defenceman Marcus Pettersson on a five-year, $20.125 million contract extension. The deal, which kicks in for the 2020-21 season, carries an average annual value of $4,025,175.
Pettersson was set to become a Restricted Free Agent this summer.
The Penguins have agreed to terms with defenseman Marcus Pettersson on a five-year contract extension.
The deal will kick in at the beginning of the 2020.21 season and run through the 2024.25 campaign, carrying an average annual value of $4,025,175.https://t.co/5rzWRFQXyC pic.twitter.com/pi9ik3sDEV— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 28, 2020
"In just over a year, Marcus has had a significant impact on our defensive group," explained Rutherford in the official statement that accompanied the signing.
"He is young, reliable and smart, which is important in today's game. Marcus is part of our young core and it was important to get him signed long-term."
Acquired via trade from the Anaheim Ducks in December of 2018, Pettersson has since become an important part of the Penguins’ blueline. The native of Skelleftea, Sweden is currently logging close to 20 minutes per night throughout his second season in Pittsburgh while chipping in a modest offensive effort with 15 points in 50 games and proving to be a positive possession driver at even-strength.
Now under contract for the next five years, the 23-year-old is officially the only defender on the Penguins roster signed through 2024-25 season.
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