Penguins Sign John Marino to Massive Extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins have locked up a cornerstone piece of their defense as the team has signed John Marino to a six-year extension.

The deal is worth an average annual value of $4.4 million, which could turn out to be fantastic value as the right-handed offensive defenseman develops for the Penguins. 

Last season the 23-year-old rookie put up great numbers with 26 points in 56 games and what was even more impressive was his plus 17. Marino was solid for the Penguins and getting this extension completed by general manager Jim Rutherford makes a ton of sense.

The Penguins have re-signed defenseman John Marino to a six-year contract extension.

The deal begins in 2021.22 and runs through the 2026.27 season, with an AAV of $4.4 million.

Marino has one year remaining on his entry-level deal.

Details: https://t.co/dwcc2A2oGU pic.twitter.com/khnf5Hqp9A

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 3, 2021

Rutherford is cash strapped with the Pens, so he had to get creative with this extension. You will see below how much the cash value fluctuates for Marino year over year. 

John Marino year by year contract breakdown. All salary:

$1,750,000.00
$3,500,000.00
$5,250,000.00
$6,150,000.00
$5,300,000.00
$4,450,000.00

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 3, 2021

If the Penguins struggle this season, or even if they don't, there's rumblings the end is near for Kris Letang and a trade could be coming for the long-time Penguins defenseman. Having Marino locked-in for the foreseeable future surely increases the odds.

Photo credit:  Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire

John Marino, extended 6x$4.4M by PIT, put up literally the best defensive numbers in the NHL as a rookie. He also did well on the PK and produced very well at 5v5. #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/zGsHH7EQ6L

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 3, 2021