When Ray Shero acquired Chris Kunitz back in 2009, he envisioned a winger with the speed, skill and physicality necessary to play on the top line with Sidney Crosby.
Four years later, it looks as though Kunitz will finish his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing alongside Crosby for at least the next three years. The Penguins announced a contract extension of three years with Kunitz making $3.85 million annually.
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Ferris State by the Anaheim Ducks, Kunitz has amassed 403 points (172 g, 231 a) in 581 regular season games, and 58 points (17 g, 41 a) in 99 playoff games. His name is engraved on the Stanley Cup twice, once with the Ducks in 2007 and the Penguins in 2009.
Despite being 34 years old, Kunitz had arguably his best season in the NHL in 2013. His 52 points were second on the Penguins, behind Sidney Crosby, and seventh in the league, tied with Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Chris Kunitz is an excellent role player with undervalued skill. His shot isn’t heralded, yet it’s accurate and produces results (19 percent shooting percentage.) When he was on Evgeni Malkin’s line in 2012, it became the best line in hockey. When Kunitz was moved to play with Crosby this past season, they instantly became the best line in hockey.
With Kunitz locked up, the Penguins now have their sights on signing Crosby’s other winger Pascal Dupuis.
