Bruins GM Don Sweeney was in negotiations to re-sign defenseman Matt Grzelcyk when Penguins GM Kyle Dubas swooped in and signed him to a new deal earlier today.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have inked defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a one-year contract, as confirmed today by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas.
Kyle Dubas:
«We're excited about the guys that we brought in, all for different reasons, and think they all have a chance to have a big impact on the Penguins.»
His new contract with the Penguins is a modest one-year deal worth $2.75 million, signed by Dubas.
The 30-year-old defenseman has played his entire career with the Bruins since being drafted in 2012, selected in the third round at 85th overall. Known for his shutdown style, he consistently matched up against opponents' top lines, effectively neutralizing their offensive threats.
Losing a player like Grzelyck creates a gap in their defense; however, the team is witnessing a new generation of defensemen emerging from Providence, including Mason Lohrei and newly acquired defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who promises to significantly bolster the Bruins' lineup.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Grzelcyk has appeared in 66 Stanley Cup Playoff games, accumulating 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists).
Hailing from Charleston, Massachusetts, Grzelcyk represented Team USA at the 2014 World Junior Championship and the 2012 World Under-18 Championship.
Selected by Boston in the third round (85th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Grzelcyk played four seasons at Boston University from 2012 to 2016, captaining the team during his final two years.