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Penguins notebook: Despite new contract, Dumoulin says he has to earn his spot

Even after signing a one-way contract Thursday, a two-year deal worth a total of $1.6 million, defenseman Brian Dumoulin knows a spot on the Penguins’ NHL roster won’t be assured when the season starts Oct. 8 in Dallas.

“I’ve got to earn it first,” he said.

“I definitely want to make the team. That’s my goal. But just signing a one-way deal doesn’t guarantee I’ll be on the team. I really need to earn my spot and create a spot for myself. Prove in the coaches’ eyes and my teammates’ eyes and management that I belong there and that I earned it and that I worked hard for it.