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Pens’ Bortuzzo ‘relieved’ by new contract

New Jersey Devils v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Robert Bortuzzo #41 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his first career goal in the NHL against the New Jersey Devils during the game at Consol Energy Center on February 2, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated the Devils 5-1. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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When Penguins defenseman Robert Bortuzzo signed a new two-year, $1.2 million deal this summer it did a lot of things for him.

One of those things was making sure he got to stay in the organization that drafted him as Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review shares.

“Relieved, actually,” Bortuzzo said Saturday during a players-organized workout at Consol Energy Center. “Getting the contract done was big for me. It showed they believe in me.”

Bortuzzo has one worry put away and another to take care of on the ice as the Penguins have a host of players fighting for ice time. Guys like Kris Letang, Rob Scuderi, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, and Matt Niskanen would figure to have jobs locked down leaving one spot in the top-six left to compete for.

That leaves Bortuzzo in a battle with Deryk Engelland, Simon Despres, and Brendan Mikkelson for a spot on the team. Bortuzzo’s low cap hit may give him an edge as the team is a million dollars over the cap, something that needs to be addressed before opening night.

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