While there remains much work to be done for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they've re-signed enforcer fan favorite Bokondji Imama to a new contract for next year.
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has his work cut out for him this summer as he works to try and get the club back into the postseason and also give new coach Dan Muse all the tools he'll need at his disposal to make that happen.
In the meantime, Dubas has re-signed a member of the team, as it was announced that enforcer Boko Imama has been given a new contract for next year.
The new deal carries an AAV (average annual value) of $775,000.
Imama was Pittsburgh's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy this year, which goes annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Not long after it was announced that he was Pittsburgh's nominee for the award, he was thrilled to break the news to his family.
They asked me the same question, like, you are a nominee for an NHL award?! I was like, yes. (Then they) asked again and asked again, and I had to kept on confirming that, yes, this was going on.
So, they're very excited as well, very honored, and it's just fun. For me, I'm just living out my dream, and to be able to have this type of recognition is definitely nice.
I just feel like there's always blocks on the road and you just got to find a way to keep pushing through them. I just feel like that's been my model since I started playing pro, and that's how I've been finding my success.
He appeared in 16 games with the Penguins this year and scored a single goal with 30 PIM.