Penguins Sign Hedberg, Straka to Multiyear Deals By JOE MANDAK AP Sports Writer Thursday September 06, 2001 10:09 PM PITTSBURGH (AP) - Goalie Johan Hedberg solved his travel problem and forward Martin Straka made certain he won't be moving anytime soon by signing multiyear contracts Thursday with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Straka, who had previously been awarded a $7.2 million, two-year contract by an arbitrator, agreed to two more years - a four-year package worth $16.8 million. Hedberg signed a $3.2 million, three-year deal that will pay the Swede $900,000 this season, $1.1 million in 2002-03 and $1.2 million in 2003-04. Straka's deal assures the Penguins that he can't become a free agent after the 2002-03 season. Straka, who made $2.2 million last season, was awarded $3.5 million this season and $3.7 million in 2002-03 in arbitration.
