Penguins Sign Defenseman To Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Chad Ruhwedel to a two-year contract extension. It will begin during the 2022-23 campaign and he will have an $800,000 cap hit.

Ruhwedel has quietly been a part of the Penguins organization since the 2016-17 season. During his first five seasons with the team, he was primarily an extra defenseman who would get into some action when injuries occurred. Yet, he has now become a part of the team's top six and has been very effective in the process.

In 47 games this season, Ruhwedel has one goal, five assists, and a plus-3 rating. Although he isn't dominating offensively, he has become a solid addition to their bottom pair due to his overall stability. Even if the Penguins decide to utilize him as an extra defenseman later down the road, that $800,000 cap hit is still worth it. 

In 234 career games between the Buffalo Sabres and Penguins, Rudwedel has eight goals, 25 assists, and 33 points. With this extension, it's become definite that the 31-year-old will have at least two more seasons after this one to build on these totals.

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