Penguins HC Mike Sullivan: Jeff Carter contract 'a win-win all around'

The Pittsburgh Penguins took a needed step toward keeping the figurative band together for the remainder of their open championship window when they announced Wednesday that veteran forward Jeff Carter had signed a two-year contract worth $6.25 million that carries an average annual value of $3.125 million. 

Penguins general manager Ron Hextall said at the time that Carter's "experience and versatility have made him a valuable addition to our team," and coach Mike Sullivan praised the fact the 37-year-old who could've hit free agency after this season is sticking around through the spring and summer months. 

"I think it's great for our team. 'Carts' has been a big part of this team since 'Hexy' acquired him," Sullivan told reporters on Thursday, according to Wes Crosby of the NHL's website. "I think he's enjoying his time here with his teammates. So for me, it's a win-win all around. It makes our team, I think, gives us a little more stability moving forward. It gives us the balance that we so value down the middle of the ice.

"So I think that's one step that I think is a real positive step that Hexy and Carts have taken to try to solidify this group moving forward that we believe is a special group and has a chance to win. So I'm thrilled for Jeff. I'm really excited for our team. I just think the stability moving forward can only help us."

Carter begins Thursday's home matchup against the Seattle Kraken sixth on the Penguins with 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 36 games this season. Pittsburgh has won 17 of its last 19 contests and currently sits fifth in the overall league standings, just four points back of the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche. 

As The Athletic's Josh Yohe noted, Carter's new deal shows the Penguins aren't yet embracing a rebuild and also suggests the club may be close to putting pen to paper on a new deal with future Hall of Famer Evgeni Malkin, who is out of contract after this season.