Penguins Replace Gonchar With Cheaper Option: Zbynek Michalek

 

The Phoenix Coyotes really wanted to keep him, but there was simply not enough money to do so. Their loss is Pittsburgh's gain, and it appears Zbynek Michalek is headed to the Penguins on a five-year, $20 million deal. He is not as offensively gifted as Gonchar. But at $1.5 million less per season and about eight years younger, Michalek is a solid addition to the Penguins roster. He will add a great deal of defensive prowess to the team, and is able to sport the blue line in power play situation for modest results.