The Penguins formally introduced new defenseman Matt Grzelcyk yesterday. He is leaving Boston, the city where he grew up, played his college hockey, and played for his hometown Bruins for the first seven years of his NHL career, and he’s looking to rebound from an off year, at least for him. Beset with injuries, Grzelcyk scored only two goals with nine assists in 63 games last season. Still, he was a plus-13 and he’s a plus-125 in his career.
Appearing on a video conference call, Grzelcyk said he’s excited to play for a team that plays fast, as the Penguins do.
Grzelcyk is looking forward to playing with the Pens two elite offensive defensemen, Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson. He feels his game will complement their style, just as it did with the Bruins’ offensive defenseman, his former partner Charlie McAvoy.
Grzelcyk signed a one-year $2.75 million free agent contract to join the Pens. He was drafted by the Bruins in 2012, when the draft was held in Pittsburgh. His position coach will be new Pens assistant David Quinn, who was Grzelcyk’s coach at Boston University.
The Penguins yesterday signed their second round draft choice, defenseman Harrison Brunicke, to a three-year entry-level contract with an $875,000 salary cap hit, according to the website PuckPedia. The 6-3, 195 pounder was the Pens’ first pick this year since they did not have a first-round choice. He was chosen number 44 overall as part of the compensation package in the Jake Guentzel trade with Carolina. The Pens signed the number 46 overall choice, forward Tanner Howe, last Wednesday.
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