Penguins Sign Free Agent Defensemen Michalek and Martin

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some defensive depth to their roster on Thursday just hours after losing Sergei Gonchar to Ottawa by signing defensemen Zbynek Michalek and Paul Martin to five-year contracts. Michalek's contract is worth $20 million, which averages to $4 million per season. Martin's contract is worth $25 million which averages out to $5 million per season. In 72 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, Michalek had three goals and 14 assists for 17 points, while Martin had two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 22 games. He missed 59 games with a broken arm last season. These aren't bad signings for the Penguins, as both players have plenty of offensive skill on the blueline, but I think they got paid a little too much money. Sure, they are both talented players who deserve raises from last season, but $3 million was probably the most Michalek should have been paid, where Martin probably should have gotten no more than $4 million.