Pens ink Michalek!

Ray Shero is doin' exactly what he needs to do. On a day when panic struck throughout Pens nation due to the departures of Gonchar (to Ottawa), Hamhuis (not signed yet but probably Vancouver) and maybe Eaton (unsure), Shero landed Zbynek Michalek to calm everyone's nerves. This guy brings exactly what the Pens need on their blue line. He is 6'2, 210 lbs and is the physical defenseman the Pens are looking for. He can be referred to as "stay at home" because he prefers to stay back on the blue line rather than jump into plays. This is a perfect match for either Letang or Goligoski, as they both have been known to occasionally over-commit to offensive plays. Shero also got him rather cheap, at 5 years for only 20 million. That is no pocket change but it is somewhat low for a high ranked dman like Michalek. This deal puts a huge grin on my face, as the defense has offiially already gotten better. The day is still young as well, and I'm hearing the Pens are in the mix for another defenseman.