The Pittsburgh Penguins announced this afternoon that they have extended the contracts of Bryan Rust, Scott Wilson, and Tom Kuhnhackl. These extensions show the confidence the front office has in believing they will be able to continue to produce and get the job done.
All three deals begin with the 2016-17 season and end following the 2017-18 season. The value of Rust’s contract averages to be $640,000, and both Wilson and Kuhnhackl’s contract averages $625,000.
At this price, Pittsburgh got a bargain. Each of these players has had a hand in this year’s big turnaround. Adding not only depth, each player possess good skating skills, speed, and the ability to shoot.
Rust, 23, has seen the most playing time out of all three. Thus far Rust has eight points, three goals and five assists. The former 2010 third round pick by the Penguins had also had a good season at Wilke-Barre Scranton before being called up. Before leaving, he accumulated 13 goals and 14 assists with the Baby Penguins and has room to grow as a solid third line forward.
The young winger out of Michigan may have the most upside of all three of the signings. Only getting to prove himself this year, he has made a major impact and is a very flexible player that coach Mike Sullivan values.
Wilson, 23, made his mark this season when he began a three-game goal streak that had been the longest since former rookie Jordan Stall in 2007. So far this season Wilson has put up five goals and one assist.
As of late, Wilson has become better in many aspects of his game. Now that he possess the confidence in scoring, he has been able to be a wild card for opponents to match up against. With his speed and ability to skate himself open, it will be exciting to see where the young winger develops from here.
Lastly, Kuhnhackl, 24, who has the most professional experience between the two, has had a breakout season this year. While having only two goals and four assists may not blow anyone away, his production has increased in the last 15 games.
Kuhnhackl, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the fourth round in 2010, just recently had his first multi-point game after playing the New York Rangers this past Sunday. The German born winger has fought through injuries and, at times, looked inconsistent on ice. Now, with consistent playing time, Kuhnhackl has proven he is a valuable asset to the team and will be for the next two years.
The Penguins are getting old and these signings bring on more youthful players who will not deteriorate any time soon. It brings to the team more energy, speed, and most of all experience, even at a young age.
Image Credit: Adam Hunger, USA Today Sports
