Feb 19, 2012 - James Neal agreed to a six-year, $30 million extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team announced Sunday. The deal begins with the 2012-13 season.
The 24-year-old left winger is playing in his first full season with the Penguins after being acquired from the Dallas Stars last season. He appeared in his first All-Star game last month and has already scored a career-high 30 goals, tied for third-most in the NHL this season.
"I'm just so comfortable in Pittsburgh," Neal said. "And with the commitment that the organization is going to give me, it couldn't be a better feeling and I couldn't have found a better spot.
"I don't think I see myself in anything other than a Penguins uniform. Now it's going to be for a long time. It's a good feeling. We got some great guys in this locker room and I couldn't find myself in a better organization."
At Penguins blog PensBurgh, Hooks Orpik thinks the contract is a risk worth taking:
As for Neal, this represents a huge commitment to him. He's got a limited playoff resume and will need to score 30+ a year to justify this contract, but with his size, forechecking ability, shot and chemistry with Evgeni Malkin it definitely seems like a good gamble for [GM Ray] Shero and the Pens to take.
For more on Neal and the Penguins, visit PensBurgh and SB Nation Pittsburgh.
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