Penguins Compensate Losses with Resigning of Orpik and Malkin

Soon after losing Marian Hossa and Ty Conklin to the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings, the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Brooks Orpik to a six-year $22.5 million contract. The 27-year old from San Francisco, California scored one goal and ten assists in 78 regular season games for the Penguins last season; he also had two assists in 20 playoff games. Although it does not seem like much, it is important to note that Orpik did lead the league in hits (102) and blocked shots (61) during the postseason. According to Ray Shero, Penguins GM, "Brooks has become a mainstay of our blue line and played an important role in our run to the Stanley Cup Final. He provides the kind of physical presence you need on a Cup contender, and his work ethic, preparation and determination are second to none."

In addition to signing Orpik, the Penguins have inked superstar Evgeni Malkin to a five-year extension. The 21-year old from Magnitogorsk, Russia finished 2nd in scoring (47 goals + 59 assists = 106 points) in the regular season behind, of course, Alexander Ovechkin. Malkin tallied 10 goals and 12 assists in the playoffs to boot.