A Look at what Mark Letestu's Extension Means for Forwards

The Penguins have signed Mark Letestu to a two-year contract extension worth $625,000 per season.  In a post-game interview I saw after the game, Letestu was pleased that the deal got done and is looking forward that he can focus on staying consistent the rest of the season.

I know it's early but the signing gives the Penguins only six signed forwards through next season, so GM Ray Shero still has plenty decisions to make. A look at the forwards after the jump.

Letestu joins Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cooke as the only forwards signed through next season for the Pens.

That leaves a long list of forwards with contracts running out and six spots to fill them.  I also added a few guys from WBS that might be able to make the jump next season.

• Pascal Dupuis, Maxime Talbot, Tyler Kennedy, Mike Comrie, Aaron Asham, Craig Adams, Mike Rupp, Chris Conner and Eric Godard all have contracts expiring at season's end.
• The Penguins also have prospects that could make the jump to the NHL: Dustin Jeffrey and Eric Tangradi.

So that's 11 guys that are vying for seven-eight spots with the team next year. With the Pens having all seven of the defensemen on the roster signed through next season, the focus will most likely be up front in building for next season. There's a lot of in house choices but I just wanted to throw a few names out that have been brought up on Pensburgh recently and pull them all together into one.

Niclas Bergfors, Jamie Benn, James Neal, etc.

Throw in your insights, dreams, hopes, aspirations into Shero's options the rest of the season.