The Pittsburgh Penguins have locked in a key piece of their roster with a three-year contract extension for veteran forward Blake Lizotte. Announced on January 12, 2026, the deal carries an average annual value of $2.25 million and keeps the 28-year-old with the team through the 2028-29 season. Lizotte, who joined Pittsburgh on a two-year pact in the summer of 2024, has become a reliable contributor on a squad exceeding expectations.
This extension underscores the Penguins’ commitment to building around dependable role players amid their surprising playoff push. Pittsburgh, which hadn’t reached the postseason since 2022, sits firmly in contention this year, and Lizotte’s steady presence has been a factor in that success.
Lizotte’s seamless fit in Pittsburgh
Blake Lizotte wasted no time making an impact after signing with the Penguins. Last season, he tied his career high with 11 goals, showcasing his speed and tenacity around the net. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, he has tallied 16 goals, ranking fifth on the team during that span.
This season, through 35 games, Lizotte has notched five goals and five assists. His role extends beyond offense; he’s a staple on the penalty kill, helping Pittsburgh maintain one of the league’s stronger units.
The forward’s value shines in intangibles too. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has praised Lizotte’s work ethic, noting in recent pressers how his energy elevates the bottom-six forwards.
Lizotte’s journey to Pittsburgh came after stints with the Los Angeles Kings, where he developed into a gritty middle-six player. Traded and then signed as a free agent, he has embraced the Steel City.
Breaking down the contract extension
The new deal provides stability for both sides. With an AAV of $2.25 million, it’s a fair market value for a proven veteran who delivers on a budget.
- Term: Three years (2026-27 through 2028-29)
- Total value: $6.75 million
- Cap hit: $2.25 million AAV
- Previous contract: Two years, $1.85 million AAV (2024-26)
This extension aligns with GM Kyle Dubas’s strategy of rewarding performance without breaking the bank. As detailed on the Penguins’ official site, Dubas announced the signing, highlighting Lizotte’s importance.
Comparables in the league include similar extensions for penalty-kill specialists like Ian Cole or Garnet Hathaway, who command around $2 million AAV for multi-year terms.
Lizotte now has security into his early 30s, allowing focus on contributing to playoff runs.
Penguins’ record with and without Lizotte
Pittsburgh’s stats tell a clear story about Lizotte’s influence. The team boasts a 20-9-6 record when he’s in the lineup this season.
That mark drops sharply without him. In December, an upper-body injury sidelined Lizotte, and the Penguins went 1-5-3 during his absence.
Key metrics with Lizotte active:
| Stat | With Lizotte | Without Lizotte |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 20-9-6 | 1-5-3 |
| Goals per game | 3.2 | 2.1 |
| Penalty kill % | 84.5% | 76.2% |
His return coincided with a hot streak, including wins over divisional rivals. This reliability makes him indispensable for a team eyeing the postseason.
The Penguins began the year with low expectations but have climbed the standings, thanks in part to such depth pieces.
Looking ahead to sustained contention
As Pittsburgh pushes for playoffs, Lizotte’s extension signals more moves could follow. With core stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin still producing, surrounding them with grinders like Lizotte bolsters depth.
The forward expressed excitement in post-signing comments, per ESPN coverage, emphasizing his desire to win in Pittsburgh.
This deal positions the Penguins for the long haul, blending youth and experience. What it means for the Eastern Conference: a tougher out in the playoffs, with Lizotte killing penalties and chipping in offensively.
Fans can expect Lizotte to remain a fan favorite, his hustle embodying the Penguins’ resilient spirit.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.