CRANBERRY, Pa. -- The Penguins have re-signed a veteran, right-handed defenseman who was just a few months away from unrestricted free agency.
But no, that doesn't mean Kris Letang is off the market.
Rather, it is Chad Ruhwedel, 31, who has accepted a two-year deal with a salary-cap hit of $800,000.
After spending most of his time with the Penguins as their No. 7 defenseman, Ruhwedel has moved into a steady spot on the No. 3 pairing, usually opposite Mike Matheson, this season and acquitted himself well.
He has one goal and five assists in 47 games, a career-high, in 2021-22.
"Chad exemplifies what it means to be a teammate," Ron Hextall said, in a statement released by the team. "His work ethic and positive attitude never waver and we are happy he will be a part of our team for the next couple of years."
Ruhwedel is the second veteran is re-sign with the Penguins of late, joining Jeff Carter.
Hextall still has a number of unrestricted-free-agents-to-be with whom he has to try to work out contracts. Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Letang headline that list, which includes Zach Aston-Reese, Brian Boyle, Even Rodrigues, Dominik Simon and Casey DeSmith, among others.
At least some of those players are not expected to be retained.
