Since I’ve been a huge proponent of signing him, I feel it’s my sworn duty to report that Erik Gudbranson reached an agreement with Calgary on Friday…a one-year deal for $1.95 million. Frankly, way out of the Pens’ tenuous financial ballpark. I expected the big defenseman to sign for around $1 million (if not on a PTO), which would’ve been much more palatable for the black and gold. Not that we outwardly expressed any interest in him.
A positive if there is any? At least Gudbranson didn’t sign with the Capitals, who as an organization have the good sense to value muscle. But it pretty much leaves us without any viable options to add physicality to a defensive corps sorely in need of some.
For the record, Zdeno Chara remains unsigned. The mammoth 6’9″, 250-pounder would certainly take care of the Pens’ enforcement needs while adding a ton of leadership and other intangibles. FYI: he played for the league minimum last season albeit with bonuses. However, at this stage of his career the 44-year-old defender is a glacial skater and a left-handed shot, while our need is on the right side.
