Penguins Sign Talbot to 2-Year Contract

Max Talbot bleeds Penguin black and gold.

He is one of their heart-and-soul players ... a guy who can do a little bit of everything, from playing in an offensive role on the top line to playing in a defensive role killing a penalty in the last minute of the game.

Better still, Mad Max is the glue in the Penguin locker room ... the guy who keeps everyone loose, from goalie Marc-Andre Fleury all the way out to team ambassador Sidney Crosby.

Although Penguins' management has been unabashed about keeping their core together, there had been little talk about whether the Penguins might sign Talbot to a new contract after his current deal expired this year.

Obviously, they've been quietly working behind the scenes at it because on Friday, the Penguins announced that they signed Talbot to a 2-year extension that will pay him in excess of 1 million per year.

Undoubtedly, this is a great signing for the Penguins. Talbot's value exceeds his production on this ice by far, and that's not to diminish his ability to produce. Max has been a fairly clutch player in his career. 8 of his career 24 goals have been game-winners and none of the tallies he's potted since playing in the NHL top the game 5 tying goal against Detroit in the finals last year.

All teams need a multi-dimensional player or two like Talbot, and the Penguins are fortunate to have him.

Not bad for an 8th round draft pick. And not bad for the Penguins.