Latest Pens Buzz

Internal pressure from new ownership has changed the dynamic for Penguins General Manager Ron Hextall. It has led to Hextall having to bend beyond his comfort zone in negotiations.

It saw Hextall in the aftermath of Pittsburgh’s first round exit to the Rangers go from holding firm to four years in the Bryan Rust talks to finally going six years that sealed the deal with the two sides agreeing to a six year, $30.750 million contract back in May that will pay Rust over $18 million in salary through the first three years of the deal. The contract also includes a full no movement clause in years 1-3, tying Rust’ No Movement Clause to Sidney Crosby’s contract.

Pressure from ownership not to take a step back in 2022-2023 and the reality that this is a big summer for Hextall’s job security has also seen Hextall bend in the Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang from where negotiations were at during the season.

Unlike the Rust negotiations, though, it’s been much tougher sledding for the Penguins despite Pittsburgh moving more towards each player in some critical areas.

Hextall has gone from three years to four years in the Letang talks as there is an agreement To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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