Penguins Re-Sign Brooks Orpik to Six-Year Deal

[Killah_punk]

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a six-year contract, it was announced Wednesday by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

Orpik, 27, played 78 games for the Penguins during the 2007-08 season, recording career-highs in assists (10), points (11), along with a career-best plus-11 rating. Orpik ranked fifth in the NHL during the regular season with 239 hits and his hit total was second among league defensemen (Michael Komisarek, Montreal - 266). Orpik ranked third on the Penguins with 125 blocked shots in the regular season and is three game shy of 300 in his career.

"Brooks has become a mainstay of our blue line and played an important role in our run to the Stanley Cup Final," Shero said. "He provides the kind of physical presence you need on a Cup contender, and his work ethic, preparation, and determination are second to none."

During the playoffs, Orpik led the entire NHL in hits (102) and blocked shots (61) helping the Penguins advance to the Stanley Cup Final. He averaged 20:47 of ice-time in the 2008 playoffs after averaging 16:57 during the regular season.

The 6-2, 210-pound defenseman was originally selected by the Penguins in the first round, 18th overall, in the 2000 NHL Draft. He has played 297 career NHL games, posting 36 points (four goals, 32 assists). Prior to his professional career, Orpik played three seasons at Boston College helping lead the team to the 2001 NCAA Championship.

[HordiBrusk29]

Damn. Good job by the Pens.

[ikogan]

He got paid less than Hainsey, good deal imo.

[fiveforfighting]

Finally some good news about the UFAs in Pittsburgh

[Thrillhouse]

That's Jeff Finger money. He must be really good.

[ScottRasner]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Damn. Good job by the Pens.

Looks like its Jason Smith or bust, Hordi.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

Looks like its Jason Smith or bust, Hordi.

Yeah unfortunately. I know they have expressed interest in Meszaros but he's a RFA and I don't know if they want to go down that road.

[Killah_punk]

Finally some good news for the Pens, after losing Hossa and Ruutu today. Good price too, compared to what other UFA's are getting this summer.

[detroit4life]

Damn, I was hoping the Pens would have a complete implosion this offseason.

[canuckfan]

Good thing the Pens didn't let this one get away. He's turned into one heck of a defenseman.

[thepolishkid88]

Well he got overpaid and "the shift" got him the money. I really dont think he is worth Gonchar money even though he is the only d-man with an edge on this team.

[Wadubbin]

I think Shero had to sign Orpik to save face.No way can he let Hossa,Malone,and Orpik go for only a third round draft choice.Once Hossa left I knew he'd sign Orpik though.The Pens D will be intact going into next season.It's not all that bad....

[thepolishkid88]

Originally Posted by Wadubbin

I think Shero had to sign Orpik to save face.No way can he let Hossa,Malone,and Orpik go for only a third round draft choice.Once Hossa left I knew he'd sign Orpik though.The Pens D will be intact going into next season.It's not all that bad....

Yea it is now you have a ton of holes with the forwards and they have more NHL dmen then NHL forwards. Its disgusting. They have to save face by signing some of these guys on the open market or else its gonna be a long season.

[The Omen]

I'm glad the Devils saved 600k and pick up Salvacrap. So far another stellar job by Lou this off season.

[Wadubbin]

Originally Posted by thepolishkid88

Yea it is now you have a ton of holes with the forwards and they have more NHL dmen then NHL forwards. Its disgusting. They have to save face by signing some of these guys on the open market or else its gonna be a long season.

What I'd like to see this year is Therrien turn Orpik loose,and let him come up ice and crush people...I really think he started to put it all together in the playoffs this year.So I love the signing.And don't forget the Pens will most definitely lose Sydor $2.5mil,Gill $2.0mil,and for some reason I have this feeling that Gonchar is going to get traded next year sometime.Don't ask me why,but I do,and it makes sense from a financial standpoint.Especially with all these big contracts kicking in for Malkin,Staal,Fleury in 09'....So signing Orpik will keep the Pens somewhat physical on the blueline for years to come...