Penguins re-sign defenseman Alex Goligoski to a three-year contract UPDATED

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 1:25 PM EDT in Pittsburgh Penguins free agents

Alex Goligoski

#3 / Defenseman / Pittsburgh Penguins

Height: 5-11

Weight: 180

Born: Jul 30, 1985

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Alex Goligoski to a three-year contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manger Ray Shero.

Goligoski, 23, was the third-leading scorer among NHL rookie defensemen in 2008-09 with 20 points in 45 games (6-14-20). He appeared in two games in the Stanley Cup playoffs, recording one assist.

The 5-11, 180-pound native of Grand Rapids, MN also played 26 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, registering two goals and 16 assists for 18 points.

"Alex is a skilled young defenseman and a tremendous skater, and we are pleased to sign him to a multi-year deal as we continue to build our young core," Shero said. "He gained some valuable experience this season and made contributions to our Stanley Cup run. He is another example of a great future here in Pittsburgh."

UPDATED: Per the Post-Gazette, the cap hit (and average salary) of the deal is $1,833,333 for the three years....A slight over-payment at first, but potentially a steal for years 2 and 3 of the contract.

I'll update with salary details when we get them, but this is a good move for the Penguins. Goligoski is a great skater and moves the puck very well. With Philippe Boucher, Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi all as unrestricted free agents, "Goose" should definitely join the NHL roster full-time.

And boy, if you were thinking that General Manager Ray Shero was sitting on his laurels or revelling in the thrills of winning the Cup you're not thinking that any longer, are you? With the draft in about a week and a half plus all these contracts expiring it's going to be a really quick turnaround.

Goligoski, while he had a good season and started to establish himself as a full-time NHL'er is an interesting first target for the Penguins. He is their only restricted free agent of note and he could have been the potential target of an offer sheet from another team....Not a likely target, but certainly a possibility. So for Shero to knock this out is a good sign.

And the length of the contract is important too: most players get 1 or 2 year deals from the Penguins. That Goose got three years is a sign that the Penguins value him, see him as a future contributer in the years to come.

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Comments

awesome

I just commented on another one of your posts that I was worried about what kind of commitment we’d have to make for him, and i guess I still don’t know, but it’s good to see that we’ve made this signing a top priority. Nice job keeping up with all this news rolling in.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions

It’s been fast and furious.

I’m glad it’s three years too, I’ll be interested to see waht the average cap hit of it is. If anyone sees some figures before I do, please post them here and I’ll update the post.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

i really like GoGo and its nice to see him signed long term. Now hopefully the Pens can resign Rob Scuderi and another top 6 stay at home d-man i think the Pens D is in place for next season. Is Lovejoy a likely to be in the NHL next season?

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on Jun 17, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions

I think it depends….Lovejoy seems like he might be capable to phase into the NHL, but young defensemen are never without bumps or growing pains as they learn through making mistakes. Scuderi himself had a rocky start to his NHL career.

I would think, as of right now the Pens blueline stands at:

Orpik – Gonchar
Eaton- Letang
XXXXX – Goligoski

Hopefully Scuderi could be retained, but if not the Pens could turn to a UFA to fill the hole. Also keep in mind the Pens probably could use a little more muscle on the blueline, as other than Orpik they don’t really have a crease-clearer or a physical checker in the group.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

that top 6

sure would look nicer with Scuderi instead of XXXXX. Letang can be a physical guy too, Other than Orpik on the defense he’s the most capable of delivering crunching hits. As long as we have Kunitz and Cooke taking runs at people, i’d be comfortable without another “banger” on the blueline. Heck, there’s always the trade deadline if we have a developing need for another big defenseman. I’d be comfortable with giving Lovejoy a shot at the 7th d-man.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Letang will hit, but he’s what like 5’10 185? The Pens need a guy like Gill to go after guys like Franzen and Holmstrom that get in the crease. I like Letang, but that’s not his game.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Not saying the Pens need to bring Gill back, just a Gill-like player who is big/strong enough to do battle in front of the net.

I don’t think having just Orpik is going to cut it.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

i know Letang is not that guy

but he is strong and willing to take the body, unlike the other Pens defenseman (not including Orpik obviously)

Watching Gill was a little painful at times, he got exposed out in space way too often, and just doesn’t look comfortable with the puck on his stick. I know that Goligoski will make some mistakes and so would Lovejoy, but I like that alternative better than one where we re-sign Gill or a Gill-like player.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I like and dislike Gill. At ties i think he’s great and at others well… He’s just a little slow for my liking and gets outsaked a lot. for the big guy that he is i wish he was way more physical.

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on Jun 17, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Gill definitely has his limitations and the Red Wings did expose some of them at the end of a long season.

And you’re right, he isn’t as physical as you’d always hope he’d be.

But when it comes to the penalty kill he knows his role and battles against forwards that set up shop in front of Fleury. I think not replacing that would be a big mistake.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Meh. When you only have 6 defensemen skating any given night, I don’t know that you have room for a guy who’s really only dependable on the PK.

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by JustinM on Jun 17, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

Scuderi and Orpik can do the job, but with Letang Eaton Gonchar and now GoGo, it seems like the Pens need another physical defenseman. Re-signing Scuderi and picking up one more would be ideal, but now with GoGo in for 1.8, maybe there’s not enough money.

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by CBKWit on Jun 17, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Lovejoy is a defensive defenseman. There’s a chance he can carry that play into the NHL as I’d imagine playing a more physical game is something that adapts easily to the NHL as opposed to working the PP point.

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by FrankD on Jun 17, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

A Pittsburgh rumor site is reporting $1.5 million cap hit for Goligoski.

That’s a little high at first, but in two seasons time $1.5 million for Goose could be one of the best steals in the league.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

honestly

i can live with that. He’s NHL ready and can be a huge addition to the PP. I’m surprised that he got a better deal than Letang but when compared to Boucher and Gill, it’s a relative bargain. He, Orpik and Letang are definitely the future of this blueline for years to come.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Letang is still on his entry level deal (the final season of that is 2009-10). Since Letang was drafted in the 3rd round he didn’t have much leverage and got a pretty standard rookie entry level contract for this new CBA.

The Pens can negotiate an extension with Letang (which wouldn’t kick in until 2010-11) starting July 1st….I would expect them to do so at some point this summer.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

thats a great point. i would love to see them lock in letang long term

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on Jun 17, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

if we do, would his contract kick in after the season? otherwise, I wouldn’t raise his cap hit for this year, not with the amount of holes still left to fill

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

In the NHL you have to play out your existing contract, so extending Letang wouldn’t bump his salary until 2010-11, as I said above.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

i'm an idiot

not sure how i missed that, i guess it helps to read.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow, he’s small for a defenseman! But if the Pens’ management has faith in him, so do I. I’d also like to see Letang locked in, though he’s on the small side, too. We’ve definitely seen with Gill that size isn’t everything, nevermind all that talk about his “long reach.”

"Wow, you have, like, a black belt in bitch!"--My Dale Jr. & Red Wings-loving friend to me, 6/16/09

by GreenEyedLilo on Jun 17, 2009 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

$1.83m is the confirmed cap hit for Goligoski…..Maybe a little bit of an over-payment for this first year, but the latter two years look mighty fine to me.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

i agree, i think it’s a deal that had to be made. It will be a steal even by the end of this year. He’s a Brian Leetch waiting to happen

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

love this kid

I really hope this kid blossoms like I think he can. if he plays up to his potential over the next three years this definitely will be a steal in terms of a cap hit. With his stick combined with Letang’s, we hopefully won’t miss Sarge when he retires or moves on. Shero might have made a very shrewd move here in helping keep our salary cap worries to a manageable level

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by cbur21 on Jun 17, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions

assuming the cap stays where it is

That leaves us with $8 mil for 7 or 8 players depending if the Pens carry 22 or 23 for next season.

I’d like to give the 4th line center job to Dustin Jeffrey and his 509k cap hit. I find it hard to see how we’ll get Scuds,Feds, and Salt-n-Pepper beard in that figure. I think we’re down to picking 2 of that group. And i’d vote for Scuds and Fedotenko.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 3:07 PM EDT reply actions

to be honest i would love to see ziggie in the 4th line center roll, just for the face he’s a great faceoff man but thats just me. I would also like to see Adams resigned. Both Ziggi and Adams might be a combined hit of 1.5 mill. there is also a few prospects to fit in here namely Eric Tangradi ©, Mark Letestu ©, and Luca Caputi (LW). Will any of these players be able to jump into the NHL though. I think Tank and Billy G should be piority to fill those blank spots on the 1st and second. As for Petr, I would love to see him stay but i think his time in Pitt is done.

xxxxx-Crosby-Kunitz
xxxxx-Malkin-Talbot
TK-Staal-Cook
Dupes-Zigomanis-Adams

as for the D, I want to see Skuds back. an lovejoy as a 7th. i think i can be done.
Orpik – Gonchar
Eaton- Letang
XXXXX – Goligoski

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on Jun 17, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

oh i forgot the back up. John Curry all the way

Lifes rough, wear a helment

by lambofgad on Jun 17, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m a huge advocate for calling up John Curry next season. He seems competent based on his little amount of play in the NHL this past season and will cost next to nothing to have on board.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Jun 17, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

i guess without knowing the final cap number this is moot

but your suggestion doesn’t seem possible.
With $8 mil left. I don’t think you can have Guerin, Fedotenko, Scuderi, Adams, Zigomanis along with Curry and Lovejoy. The math just doesn’t work out. Even at $2mil/yr for Guerin, Feds, & Scuds, which i think is too low for all of them….plus the $1.5 for Adams and Ziggy. That’s already $7.5 or the $8 with two players left to fill in, and that’s not possible.

I’m thinking more and more that one of the Guerin/Feds/Scuds have to be let go.

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions

The math is a little fuzzy, something’s going to have to give…I think, if possible, they may look to trade Dupuis. His $1.4 million hit was signed when he was on Crosby’s wing, but with Talbot, Cooke and Kennedy all playing well it looks like Dupuis is doomed to the 4th line.

If the Pens trade Dupuis for draft picks, that $1.4 million goes a long way to probably signing Craig Adams AND Mike Zigomanis. That’s a lot more depth and bang for the buck.

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 17, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

i'd pull that trigger

if we get a little more creative, i’m sure we could fit in Gaborik :)

by AronV on Jun 17, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

i agree. dupis is a luxury they really cant afford. they would be much stronger with adams and ziggy than just with dupis.

my cool page

by cbur21 on Jun 17, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions

wish I had read this before I posted

great minds think alike, this is exactly what I wrote about 10 inches down the screen.

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jun 17, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

how much is Dupuis' hit?

isn’t it about 1.3? It would make sense to me to move him and keep Zigo/Adams at the same combined price.

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jun 17, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

This guy’s obviously the future of the blue line. Hooks previously labeled a potential “steal” and I couldn’t agree more. He shot out of the gate early for Pitt and showed he can handle some of the pressures of the NHL. A little work may be needed but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Great way to make sure he sticks around. Kudos to the front office.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Jun 17, 2009 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Chalk another one up for Ray Shero.

I’ll echo the overall sentiment on this thread. Great move that will only get better into the 2nd and 3rd years of his contract. I look forward to having GoGo as a regular on the Pittsburgh ice.

-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.

by pascaldupweevil on Jun 17, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

45 games, huh?

Didn’t think he was up with the big club that long….just got over the hump for having his name etched on the Cup….

by ahtrap on Jun 17, 2009 4:16 PM EDT reply actions

GOOOOOOOAL-igoski

I’m certainly happy for this. In his first stint with the team, he filled in for Gonchar fairly well on the PP unit, and was great on the blueline.

I think he’ll be fun to watch evolve, much like Letang.

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by Lavender on Jun 17, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

I wonder if this is the writing on the wall saying that Scudsy is a no-go for re-signing.

With the national attention he drew for defending Ovechkin, Zetterberg and Datsyuk, Scuds might test the free-agent waters and sign for a heftier paycheck than what the Pens are willing to offer him.

I agree with the common sentiment here, that he is a great player and we should re-sign him, but it may prove to be impossible if we wish to keep other FA like Tenk or Guerin…

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington

by Hockey Beard in SLC on Jun 17, 2009 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah…when I see the amount and years committed to him…see ya, Scuds.

A necessary move, though. Alex is a good puck-mover and with Sarge’s contract due to expire after the 09-10 season, the Pens need to make sure they have guys that can man the points on the PP.

I’d like to throw this out there as well, amongst all these UFA discussions…as much as we love our current players, there are 29 other teams that will have UFAs hitting the market as well. Some of which may be better-priced, better fits than what we currently have. Also, let’s not forget that the Pens are the reigning East Champs for the last 2 years, reigning Cup champs, have 2 of the league’s premier players and are moving into a new building next year…so, they might be able to snag players on the cheap from other teams.

Heart, Max Talbot has it by the mile. The Pens are your 2008-2009 Stanley Cup Champions.

by Malsby on Jun 17, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, big fan. Goli is probably my favorite player on the team (besides Sid of course). I don’t remember a game when he was in college where he wasn’t the most talented player on the ice. (except when they came to play us of course)

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by fetch9 on Jun 17, 2009 5:23 PM EDT reply actions

why do people think this prevents signing scuds?

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by cbur21 on Jun 17, 2009 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

Because:

1) The Salary Cap will most likely dip for the 09/10 season

2) The Penguins have several spots needed to fill and a limited amount of money (very rough est. of 5-9 mil)

3) Scuds is now a premier defense man who can shut down the opposing teams scoring threat and will command top dollar on the FA market.

I can see Scuds signing for about 5 mil on a club that’s got the space for him. I love him to death, and yes, I would kiss him on the mouth without questioning my manhood, but i don’t think we will be able to keep him with the amount of spots we need to fill. Especially in Disco Dan’s system, a shut down defense man is not as prominent as a puck-moving one.

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington

by Hockey Beard in SLC on Jun 17, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

UPDATE: After research I have found that the Pen’s salary cap hit (minus any unforeseen trades) stands at 48.668 mil with 15 players signed.

If the cap were to dip to 55 mil (about 1.5 mil down) then they would have about 6.5 mil to spend on new contracts. Not a lot of money at all…I think the Islanders are sitting with about 20 mil free space…

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington

by Hockey Beard in SLC on Jun 17, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

BUT

The salary cap dip will coincide with Gonchar’s deal coming off the books, and either Letang or GoGo ready to step into his role. I’m not that worried.

Such are the burdens of champions. I’m not particularly depressed about it. Shero will find a way.

P is for Latrobe.

by holiday park on Jun 17, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Worried about Scuderi

SLC-I’m fearing you might be correct. Scuderi was definitely a hero in this Cup Run, that he’s sitting at $750K, no doubt that will multiply. I can’t see the Pens being able to afford anymore than $2M, but I see another club, ala TB last season, offering him $3-$4M, leaving for him would be a no-brainer.

by Dutch71 on Jun 17, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

My thoughts exactly. I don’t hold it against him either, he’s a bit older and hasn’t been making the big bucks. He needs to cash in while he can.

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington

by Hockey Beard in SLC on Jun 17, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Forget about Scuderi

The guy is history. There is no way he resigns with the Pens. Guys that win the stanley cup automatically have instant noteriety which make them more attractive in the FA market. Then Pens aren’t spending $4 million a year on a 5th defenseman when they have more pressing needs on the top 2 lines. Guys like Scuderi can be found elsewhere around the league.

I would like to see the Pens sign a veteran defensive FA though. Right now they are sitting with Orpik (28), Goligoski (23), Letang (22) and Lovejoy (24) as their starters. Eaton and Gonchar are the only guys over 30. In particular Lovejoy and Goligoski are still learning how to play in the NHL or haven’t played at all in the league so there are likely to be some growing pains with them.

by catesinator on Jun 18, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

I think Lovejoy has the potential to evolve into another Orpik. He plays a very similar style. If he can come around by prospect camp and make the parent team then I really think the guy will boost the defense.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Jun 18, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Thats good, considering we are going to let go of Gill (I don’t see us resigning him for 2 mil either), we need another crease-clearer like Orpik.

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington

by Hockey Beard in SLC on Jun 18, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions