Penguins defender Mark Friedman’s journey continues

It was probably the most important day of his professional career.

And Mark Friedman was asleep.

On Sunday, after Friedman and his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates withdrew from Arizona after a game with the Coyotes on Saturday, Friedman decided to sleep because it was a day off for the squad.

As a result, Friedman missed a call from his agent, Ian Pulver.

“I got a call from my agent yesterday morning,” Friedman said after the practice Monday in Cranberry. “I was actually sleeping, so I called him back, and he told me the good news. So I was pretty happy when I woke up.

The good news was that the team offered him a new two-year, one-way contract extension.

Currently in the last year of a two-year one-way contract, which has a salary cap of $ 725,000, Friedman receives a substantial increase in his new deal, which commands an average annual value of $ 775,000.

Perhaps more importantly, there is stability that he did not always enjoy during his career.

“Of course, knowing (CEO Ron Hextall) for the time being that I know him, it’s really nice to show him that he has a little bit of confidence in me,” Friedman said. “I’m super excited that it’s a two-year, one-way (contract). When one looks down the street, it’s definitely nice to see. It brought a smile to my face. I’m pretty emotional (Sunday). “because of the journey I made. It’s not easy. You just have to paint. I’m very, very grateful for that.”

The penguins initially acquired Friedman in February 2021, claiming he had renounced the Philadelphia Flyers. A third-round pick (No. 86 overall) in 2014, Friedman began his professional career with the Flyers when Hextall was general manager of that franchise.

Since then, he has appeared in 25 games for the Penguins, including the 20 he has adjusted for this season.

A real shot capable of playing either side of the blue line, Friedman recorded five points (one goal, four assists) during 13 minutes, 45 seconds of ice time on average. He also drew 11 penalties and five-on-five play, one of the highest figures on the team.

Even as the seventh defender to be sporadically in the lineup, he has found more success with the Penguins than he has ever done with the Flyers.

“The systems here in (Pittsburgh) are good with my style, and it fits with me,” Friedman said. “A lot of it is about jumping into the game. I bring an edge and a grittiness to a team that needs it sometimes. I love my role. I felt really comfortable. I’m really excited about the two years.

Friedman was a healthy shock for 42 of a possible 63 players this season. That includes a dark stretch from mid-November to late February, when he was crossed for 38 of 39 players.

A two-game condition in February with Wilkes-Barre / Scranton of the American Hockey League was very good.

“That’s never very easy,” Friedman said. “But as my dad told me every day – it was not easy for my mind – you have to control what you can. You have to find the positives in everything. The best thing for me this year was actually going down (on Wilkes-Barre / Scranton). ) and to play some games. … I really think that helped me. I got some timing back and my condition back. It certainly helped me. ”

Friedman acknowledges that he has plenty of room to grow.

“Playing only 36 (career) games in this league, especially at 26 (years), is not easy,” Friedman said. “I just wanted to keep growing as a player and especially as a person. I felt like I did that much this year. Parts of my game, on which I think I can get better, were … just on defense. to focus and not so willing to jump into the game and create weird-man-rushes against. Pick up my spots when getting under (opponent’s) skin. I think I did that very well. ”

Notes: The penguins assigned forward Radim Zohorna to Wilkes-Barre / Scranton. The transaction is largely procedural and holds Zohorna eligible for the AHL’s postseason. Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan has suggested that Zohorna be recalled on Tuesday ahead of a home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. … Injured forwards Brock McGinn (suspected right hand or arm) and Jason Zucker (core muscle) before Monday’s practice skate. … Penguins Defensive Perspective Clayton Phillips signed an amateur tryout contract with Wilkes-Barre / Scranton. Phillips was a third-round pick (No. 93 overall) of the Pittsburgh Penguins 2017.