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Penguins Defenseman Confirms He Has Had No Contract Extension Talks: Likely Leaving Pittsburgh
A Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman confirmed he had no contract extension talks with the organization and will likely leave the team this summer.
Matt Grzelcyk came into the 2024-25 NHL season under a one-year contract signed with the Penguins, following an eight-year tenure with the Boston Bruins.
Even if the Penguins didn't manage to have a successful season, he was happy to be there and remain on the team after the trade deadline:
"I knew coming into the year, being on a one-year deal, that anything can happen, especially with the state of the team. I know if parts are going to move, I would probably be one of the guys that might be on the move. But I'm really happy to still be here. I've enjoyed my time here very much. I'm really thankful to not be going to a new team midseason and getting to stay with a great group of guys here."
Before the end of the season, Grzelcyk opened up on his situation, saying he wasn't only playing to win, but also to leave a strong impression on his bosses in order to show he deserves a contract for next season:
"I would love to be here. We have (eight) games left. My only focus is obviously trying to win every game, but trying to leave a good impression as well. Kind of, it feels like a little bit of a tryout in order to hopefully earn a contract here next year."
Later, in his exit interview, the defenseman confirmed no negotiations occurred yet, but the player made public that he revealed to the team how he'd like to remain in Pittsburgh:
"We haven't really talked contract or anything. Through the trade deadline, (I was) seeing what was going to happen there. At that point, there was, obviously, no movement, so I think both sides are interested in rejoining, but there's no concrete thing so far."
"I know they have some tough decisions to make, but I've expressed to them that I'm definitely open to that."
"I know they have some tough decisions to make, but I've expressed to them that I'm definitely open to that."
The Pens' President Kyle Dubas also shared some words on Grzelcyk's situation:
"He did a very good job (and) produced well. So I know what his intentions are. He's an awesome, zero-maintenance person for us. Just comes, works, does his job, quietly and effectively. I think the goal of the year for him he wanted to use this to get everything back on track with his (play, which) fell off last year in Boston.
"We thought we had an opportunity to give him, and I think it was a situation in free agency that really worked out on a one-term, one-year deal for him to jump into the mix. So we'll have conversations with him, and we'll look and see what's available and how it fits our overall needs and determine whether we can offer him that same opportunity again."
"We thought we had an opportunity to give him, and I think it was a situation in free agency that really worked out on a one-term, one-year deal for him to jump into the mix. So we'll have conversations with him, and we'll look and see what's available and how it fits our overall needs and determine whether we can offer him that same opportunity again."
Grzelcyk's situation will be monitored closely in the coming months. Stay tuned for all the details.
| POLL | ||
MAI 8 | 167 ANSWERS Penguins Defenseman Confirms He Has Had No Contract Extension Talks: Likely Leaving Pittsburgh Do you think the Pittsburgh Penguins would make a mistake by letting Matt Grzelcyk walk away on free agency this summer? | ||
| Yes | 112 | 67.1 % |
| No | 55 | 32.9 % |
| List of polls | ||