After re-signing center Maxime Talbot to what appears to be a two-year deal, the Pens agreed to terms with forward Erik Christensen, successfully avoiding arbitration with two restricted free agent priorities.
Christensen’s faux-hawk, a promising young forward, reached a deal that is worth $750k for each of the two years.
He tied the league lead with 8 shootout goals. His 8 for 14 (51.7%) mark upped his career totals to 9 of 15 (60%) in the shootout, which is the best mark in team history. He had 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists) last season.
This leaves Colby Armstrong’s beak-nose as the only restricted free agent from last year’s squad who is still unsigned. Tim Brent and Ryan Lannon, two guys who have done most of their damage in the minors, also remain on the market.
UPDATE: Colby Armstrong has elected to go to arbitration. The Pens’ 2001 first-rounder felt the right deal wasn’t in place, so arbitration is the case. Craig Oster, Armstrong’s agent, says things with the team aren’t ugly, just not productive. The hearing won’t be until August, so the sides will still be in contact until then.
