Penguins re-sign veteran Letang; Avs acquire goalie Georgiev from Rangers
Moves were happening around the NHL on Thursday several hours before the draft began, with the reigning Stanley Cup winners making a move to shore up their goaltending situation and a recent back-to-back champion ensuring a long-time defenseman was sticking around.
The Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche acquired goaltender Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers for three draft picks, and the Pittsburgh Penguins also signed veteran defenseman Kris Letang to a $36.6 million, six-year contract that carries a $6.1 million annual salary cap hit.
Colorado gave up third- and fifth-round picks this year and a third-rounder next year for Georgiev. The move seems to spell the end of playoff starting goalie Darcy Kuemper's time with the Avalanche.
The Avalanche can now pair Georgiev, who needs a new contract as a restricted free agent, with Pavel Francouz as they try to defend their third title in franchise history.
Pittsburgh may not be able to keep the entire band together, given center Evgeni Malkin is also set to be an unrestricted free agent, but general manager Ron Hextall prioritized locking up Letang long term.
“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,” Hextall said in a statement.
Letang, 36, helped Pittsburgh win the Cup in 2009, 2016 and 2017, though he missed the final run because of injury.
The long-anticipated dismantling of the Chicago Blackhawks' roster has begun with the team trading Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators.
For Ottawa, the Senators add a two-time 40-goal scorer to their young and up-and-coming roster in a trade announced hours before the start of the NHL draft.
The Blackhawks, by comparison, acquired three draft picks, including the seventh overall selection, and gained payroll flexibility with the 24-year-old expected to attract a hefty raise once his current deal expires after the 202223 season.
DeBrincat has one year left on a $19.2 million, three-year contract extension, after which he is eligible to become a restricted free agent.
The Blackhawks didn't have a first-round pick entering the draft, and also acquired Ottawa's second-round pick (39th) to give them seven selections through the first three rounds. Chicago also acquired a third-round pick
in 2024. WILD RE-SIGN DEFENSEMAN MIDDLETON TO 3-YEAR DEAL >>
The Minnesota Wild re-signed defenseman Jake Middleton to a three-year, $7.35 million contract Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Canadian split last season between the Sharks and Minnesota, joining the Wild on March 21 in a trade for goalie Kaapo Kahkonen and a fifthround selection this year.
KINGS HIRE RHEAUME AS PROSPECT ADVISER >> The Los Angeles Kings hired former goaltender Manon Rheaume as a hockey operations and prospect adviser on Thursday, making her the latest woman to join or be promoted by an NHL team amid a leaguewide push to increase front office diversity.
The team announced the move hours before the start of the draft. She is expected to still live in Michigan, be involved in hockey operations projects and report to director of player personnel Nelson Emerson.