Matt Cooke and Ben Lovejoy agree to 3 year deals with the Pittsburgh Penguins

In the last 24 hours Penguin GM Ray Shero has came to 3 year terms with winger Matt Cooke and Penguins up and coming defenseman Ben Lovejoy.  Lovejoy was signed yesterday to a 3 year deal paying him .525 Million the first year in a two way contract where he will get paid less if he plays for the WBS Penguins and then .525 million each year for two years after that with a standard NHL contract. 

Matt Cooke has agreed to a three year contract at an average of $1.8 million a year.

This is great news, these were the two most important signings.  Gonchar would would be a great asset, but the amount of money he could demand on the open market is not worth it for the Penguins who need to add a defenseman with a mean streak and a right handed winger that can put the puck in the net. 

 The NHL entry draft is on Saturday and there should be a few interesting prospects out there by the time the Penguins pick at #20.