Penguins Sign Free Agent With Cup Experience
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Sep 29, 03:53 PM | Hype this story!
Update
Forwards Paul Bissonnette and Chris Conner, and defensemen Deryk Engelland and Nate Guenin have been placed on waivers in addition to Bayda.
A complete look at the Penguins roster can be seen here.
Original Story
The Pittsburgh Penguins today presumably finalized their defense with the signing of veteran Martin Skoula. The deal is presumed to be a one-year, one-way contract worth $575,000.
The 29-year-old has nine years of NHL experience and a Stanley Cup ring in his name, bringing the Penguins additional experience and another veteran presence.
Skoula spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Wild and was most recently released from Columbus Blue Jackets training camp, where he was invited on a tryout basis.
This should serve as a strong indication that defensemen Deryk Engelland and Nate Guenin — presumed to be the top two contenders for the seventh defenseman position before today’s signing — will be demoted to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL before long.
Bayda Placed On Waivers
Newly-signed forward Ryan Bayda today was placed on waivers, leaving Paul Bissonnette and Chris Conner as the final two players vying for a roster spot in Pittsburgh. If Bayda clears, he will be demoted to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, where he will serve as an organizational depth player.
Comments
Zach Boslett
Sep 29, 04:08 PM
I love this move. Skoula is a solid player – in a small role – and will help if any of the defensive defensemen go down.
Pens1967
Sep 29, 04:09 PM
I guess I’m a little surprised by this, but maybe Shero and company think Guenin(26)is better off playing every day at WBS rather than sitting out as the 7th defenseman. I thought Guenin played well and did nothing to lose a spot. If there were to be a significant, long term injury to a d-man, I’d think Guenin would be up as a regular and not Skoula.
c
Sep 29, 06:47 PM
I’ve seen plenty of Skoula up close when he was with the Avs. I gotta say I don’t like this move, unless he’s gotten a lot better since he was in Denver. It’d be a real bad situation if he had to skate a regular shift with the Pens. He’s terrible defensively but OK occasionally in the offensive zone.
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