kunitzThe Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Chris Kunitz to a three year extension worth $11.55 million. The deal begins in 2014-2015 and runs through the 2016-2017 season with a $3.85 million cap hit.
Kunitz, 33, is coming off his best season with 22 goals, 52 points and a +30 rating in 48 games this season.
The Penguins now have $37.95 million committed to seven players for the 2014-2015 season.
What does the Kunitz deal mean for Pascal Dupuis? Last week there was word the Penguins were looking to be careful in the Dupuis negotiations to not set a precedent for talks on a new deal with Kunitz. Now the Kunitz deal appears to have set the precedent on where the Penguins are likely to top out on term and money for Dupuis.

The team is offering Dupuis a three year deal believed to be in the $9 million range, a source says. Agent Allan Walsh has been pushing for a four year deal. Dupuis is going to eventually have to come off that demand I believe. Walsh plans to meet in person with Penguins officials today in Newark.
The Penguins also remain in heavy negotiations on a new deal for Matt Cooke.