Penguins Sign Defenseman Goligoski to Three-Year Extension

Just days after winning the Stanley Cup, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a three-year contract extension worth $5.5 million. The deal averages out to $1.83 million per season, making this an affordable signing for the Penguins. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1 and could have been a target of an offer sheet. In 45 games this past season, Goligoski scored six goals and 14 assists for 20 points. He also appeared in 26 games with the Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barrie/Scranton, scoring two goals and 16 assists for 18 points. In 48 career games, all with the Penguins, he has six goals and 16 assists for 22 points. This is a great signing for the Penguins, as Goligoski is a tremendous skater and lots of offensive skill on the blueline. With his improving defensive skills, he will likely secure a full-time role on the Penguins' defense next season, giving three very skillful offensive defensemen in Sergei Gonchar, Kris Letang, and Goligoski. Look for Goligoski's skills to improve greatly over the next three years and likely earn a spot as one of Pittsburgh's top defensemen.