In his end of the year media session yesterday, Penguins GM Ron Hextall gave some insight on where the team is headed in terms of offseason plans.
Hextall first addressed the team’s performance from last season, saying that he and the rest of the front office thought the team was good enough to win the Stanley Cup this year.
He also broke down the re-signing of winger Bryan Rust. He said that singing him was important as he brings lots of skill-sets to the team that they needed to bring back.
He was also asked about the status of Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, both of which are scheduled to be free agents in a few weeks. He said that “in a perfect world” both players retire as Pittsburgh Penguins.
Malkin is said to be the fifth most wanted free agent in the NHL.
Hextall also said that he, along with the Fenway Group, have no plans on “tanking”, or stripping down the team in hopes of a rebuild, and that the Penguins plan on utilizing the team they have now, some prospects and some free agents to continue contending next season.
NHL Free Agency is scheduled to begin July 13.
NHL SCOREBOARD
TAMPA BAY – 2 FLORIDA – 0 (TB WINS SERIES 4-0)
COLORADO – 6 ST. LOUIS – 3 (COL LEADS 3-1)
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