Penguins, Kris Letang agree to terms on six-year contract extension

Kris Letang isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman has agreed to terms on a six-year $36.6 million contract extension, the team announced Thursday. That’s an average annual value of $6.1 million.“Kris epitomizes what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” Pens GM Ron Hextall said in a statement. “The role he plays on our team is irreplaceable, he is a leader in our locker room, and has made countless contributions to the organization over the last 15-plus years, which includes three Stanley Cup Championships. We are thrilled to make him a Penguin for life.” The defenseman is coming off a season in which he collected a career-high 68 points while playing a bit more responsibly in his own end. He averaged a staggering 25:47 of ice time and said last week he'd like to play at least five more seasons.The three-time Stanley Cup champion tops team annals among defensemen in games played (941), goals (144), assists (506) and points (650), as well as playoff games played (149), playoff goals (23), playoff assists (67) and playoff points (90). Letang became an unrestricted free agent this off-season.