Penguins Re-Sign Talbot, Christensen

[Thrillhouse]

The Penguins have re-signed forwards Maxime Talbot and Erik Christensen to two-year contracts, it was announced Thursday by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

"Max and Erik both made great strides in helping us reach the playoffs last season,” Shero said, “and we look forward to continued contributions from them in the future."

Talbot, 23, scored 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) and recorded 53 penalty minutes in 75 games last season. He ranked second on the team with four short-handed goals and also netted four game-winning goals. Talbot began the 2006-07 season with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (AHL) scoring four goals in five games.

The 5-11, 185-pound native of Lemoyne, Quebec made his NHL debut with the Penguins in 2005-06. Talbot has recorded 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists) in 123 NHL games. He was drafted by the Penguins in the eighth round (234th overall) of the 2002 Entry Draft.

Christensen, 23, tallied 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists) in 61 games played in the 2006-07 season. He tied for the NHL lead with eight shootout goals and had the deciding goal in three of the ten shootout victories for the Penguins. Christensen converted eight of his 14 attempts (57.1%) in 2006-07 and has the best mark in team history converting nine of 15 (60%) career attempts in the shootout.

The 6-1, 208-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta began the season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, scoring 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 16 games before earning a spot on the Pittsburgh roster. Christensen has played in 94 NHL games, recording 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists) and 60 penalty minutes. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round (69th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

[FightingIsGood]

"Mad Max" and "Mr. Shootout" back in black

Good to see both of them re-signed. Talbot brings plenty of grit and isn't afraid to drop the gloves, and IMO was the unsung hero of the team last year. He scored some big goals at big moments. Christensen has the potential to be a 30-goal scorer with that wicked wrist shot he has, but needs to be more consistent and better adapt to playing wing, which is likely his future with the Pens given their depth at center.

[Isles4life]

Good re-signings. I like the way Talbot plays the game and Christensen looks like he has the skills to be a significant offensive factor any given game.