Bylsma gets three-year contract extension - 03-09-11
The Penguins have signed head coach Dan Bylsma to a three-year contract extension through the 2013-14 season.
Promoted initally as an interim replacement to Michel Therrien Feb 15, 2009, Bylsma has guided the franchise to a record of 104-52-19, two playoff appearances and one Stanley Cup title.
Bylsma initially came to the organization as an assistant coach with the club's AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL.
EN Says: This is obviously a great move. Bylsma has been one of the NHL's best coaches over the past three seasons and he has proven that this season. Despite having played long stretches without the services of core players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, the Penguins are only two points behind the Flyers in the Eastern Conference standings.
Bylsma is also one of the most respected coaches in the NHL. Following the all-star break, the CBC and the NHLPA released a an anonymous poll of players which touched on a variety of subjects. One question asked which coach they would most like to play for. Bylsma received the most votes with 21 percent.
Update: Ray Shero and Bylsma speak:
(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)