CRANBERRY — Blake Lizotte was once an undrafted free agent simply fighting for a professional career. He leaped from St. Cloud State to the LA Kings and played the next six seasons in the NHL.
In his progress, Lizotte never had more than a two-year deal, first with LA at $1.675 million, which then declined to qualify him as a restricted free agent, and he signed a two-year deal with the Penguins at only $1.85 million.
Not exactly big money in the current NHL.
However, on Monday, Lizotte was rewarded for his exemplary play with the Pittsburgh Penguins with more financial and career security. The Penguins signed Lizotte to a three-year deal with an average annual value of $2.25 million.
It sounded like the deal came together quickly, too. From text to agreement was a matter of hours.
“I got a text (Monday) from my agent saying they wanted to get a deal done,” Lizotte said.
“There was a little bit (of negotiation), but Kyle (Dubas) and the whole staff working behind it, it’s pretty fair. Along with my agent, we felt it was a fair deal, so we were really happy to both come to an agreement.”
It comes at a good time, too.
Lizotte’s wife is–as he termed it–heavily pregnant, so they didn’t even celebrate last night. They sat on the couch, and like most of Western Pennsylvania, were disappointed by the Steelers’ playoff result.
Lizotte also didn’t shy away from sharing his faith, thanking God for the opportunity.
“If you look back seven, eight years ago, I’d say you’re crazy (how well my career has gone). But I’m a believer in God, and I think that he is, first and foremost, my Lord and Savior, and he’s written everything about my life before it’s even come to be, so I trust in Him, and it’s pretty amazing to see him open doors for me in my life. And I’m just fortunate to be a part of it.
“Really, I’m super thankful and grateful for everything that the league has done for my family and me, and also just the opportunities that have come with it.”
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