Penguins To Offer Contract To Orpik

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 25, 11:47 AM | Hype this story!

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that Penguins general manager Ray Shero is prepared to offer Brooks Orpik a contract at some point today.

Rob Rossi indicates that the deal would be no less than four years in length and $3.5 million per season, and that Orpik is optimistic a deal can get done before next week.

I would like to add a word of caution, though, as Rossi has been quite wrong to this point this offseason — especially when writing a story void of quotes.

So, with that being said, take this news with a grain of salt.

I’ll stay close to this story and bring updates as they are made available.

Comments

  1. Justin Maffei

    Jun 25, 12:25 PM

    I hope that this is the case. I am in dire need of some good news from the Penguins.

  2. Dabich

    Jun 25, 12:39 PM

    I agree with Justin.

    And Orpik would be great to have back again.

  3. showHOSSAthedoor

    Jun 25, 01:02 PM

    Let’s go get Jags and Huselius. Sign Orpik and kick the tires and burn em down.

  4. Michael S.

    Jun 26, 08:48 AM

    It is well known throughout the Penguins organization that Orpik lacks the heart to really become a better player (not just from MT). Perhaps Orpik had a change in focus from getting so close to the holy grail, but it surprises me to see that they would be offering him a long term deal…

  5. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 26, 09:40 AM

    Michael S., everything I have heard regarding Orpik is just the opposite of what you say. He is one of the hardest working and best conditioned players not only on the team, but in the league. That doesn’t come from a lack of heart.

    He very well may have turned it up a notch when free agency was in sight, but if that is the case, why didn’t he play hard from the start of the season and really increase his value?

    I truly think something just clicked for him and the game slowed down and became a bit more easy. He stopped looking for hits and let them come to him, he blocked more shots, and he became more reliable defensively (because he was paired with Gonchar, whose focus is offense).

    I’m not surprised in the least he supposedly was offered a deal — which, by the way, no one has confirmed yet, as I suspected might happen. He’s one of the best hitters in the game, relatively young, and he’s got a very nice upside. As long as the amount of money offered isn’t crazy, multiple years, in my opinion, is a very good thing.

  6. Michael S.

    Jun 26, 11:03 AM

    Matt: I suppose we have heard different things, but I feel pretty confident with my sources about Orpik’s desire. But anyway….

    Perhaps I over exaggerated how surprised I am. I don’t see a lot of options for the Penguins for D-men. I am someone that believes team chemistry is one of the most important aspects of the game. By keeping him around, you keep stability within the defensive squad.

    “I truly think something just clicked for him and the game slowed down and became a bit more easy. He stopped looking for hits and let them come to him, he blocked more shots, and he became more reliable defensively (because he was paired with Gonchar, whose focus is offense).”

    I COMPLETELY agree that he has changed his game. However, I am worried about his general consistency. It is amazing what the playoffs will do to change your game, but he has to work hard to keep playing well-positioned defense outside of the playoffs and the month before. Too many times we have seen him take himself out of a play for an unnecessary hit leaving the Pens vulnerable. I wouldn’t say he has completely stopped that, but you are right, he has gotten better with it.

    My issue is not with the amount of money, but with a long term deal. I don’t personally believe that he will continue to play his playoff level hockey, but like I said earlier I believe that there is the potential that he has been effected by the close encounter with the Cup.

  7. Michael S.

    Jun 26, 11:04 AM

    By the way, these discussions are way better than the monotony of work haha…

  8. Dabich

    Jun 26, 11:44 AM

    LOL at Michael S.

    I’m siding with Matt on this one (surprise) BECAUSE...

    of the chemistry thing. I think he played much better with Gonch. Same with others on the team. Malone surprised wveryone with his play on the Steel City Line. Hossa did great with Crosby and shed is playoff choker personna. That’s just mentioning those three. I REALLY feel that Orpik needed someone he COULD play better with.

  9. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 26, 12:23 PM

    Michael, discussion here definitely can be enjoyable…stick around.

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