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Originally Posted by Maple Leafs
Gonchar gets $25M over five years from... the Pens?
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Outstanding singing by the Penguins. Even better than Rafalski.
Lemieux just brought in another partner and they expected the payroll to be about 31 million. Even after signing Crosby, Malkin and Lemieux, they estimated that they would have $10 million left to spend. Even after signing Gonchar have have some room to add some complimentary parts to help the Penalty Kill and 3rd line.
One of their key needs was a top notch defenseman and I think Gonchar fits the bill. He key be the QB on the Power play and anchor a good defense.
A quick look a the Pens rosters:
First Line: Lemieux-Crosby-Recchi
Second Line: Malone-Malkin-Morozov (if he comes back from Russia)
Plus Milan Kraft and Konstantin Koltsov who are solid NHLers.
I really see 5 quality NHL D-men now: Gonchar, Orpik, Tarnstrom, Jackman and rookie Ryan Whitney who was a top 5 draft pick.
The excitement in Pittsburgh hasn't been this high since the year of Lemiuex's return.