Penguins consider one defenseman to replace Kris Letang if they can’t re-sign him…

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Kris Letang just completed final season of an eight-year, $58 million deal signed in 2013 under former GM Ray Shero. Of course, he isn’t their only pending free-agent. Evgeni Malki is in the final year of his deal, as was Bryan Rust, whom they locked up to an extension earlier during the offseason. Needless to say, general manager Ron Hextall will have a busy summer ahead of him.

However, there is good news for Penguins fans as far as Letang is concerned. According to Rob Russo of The Athletic, the team is prioritizing re-signing the veteran defenseman.

But if that cannot happen, Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now suggested the Penguins should consider Tyson Barrie as a replacement for Letang if GM Hextall fails to re-sign and he chooses to test free agency waters.

Kingerski explained how Barrie would fit the Penguins’ style well and would cost nearly $3 million less than the $7.25 million AAV of Letang’s current contract.

Letang, who was drafted by the Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft, he’s scored 144 goals and 650 points in 941 career games. The 35 year-old defenseman has also been a part of Pittsburgh’s three Stanley Cup championship teams. It would be hard for Barrie - or anyone to fill his shoes… Following their contract extension for Rust, the Penguins have roughly $23.2 million in cap space with which to work this off-season.

I guess it’s okay to have options… but the Penguins should focus on Letang until nothing else can be done. Then, maybe talk a look at Barrie.