Penguins re-sign Ben Lovejoy and Tim Wallace

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2009 11:23 AM EDT in Pittsburgh Penguins free agents Comment 6 comments

The Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Ben Lovejoy to a one-year contract and forward Tim Wallace to a two-year deal, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

Lovejoy figures to be the #7 defenseman in Pittsburgh this year and possibly make the jump to being a full-time NHL player. Lovejoy made his NHL debut in 2008-09, appearing in two games for the Penguins. He posted an AHL best +/- of +42 last season in 76 games with Wilkes-Barre.

Wallace was impressive in his stints in the NHL where in 16 games played, he showed a willingness to skate hard, throw hits and take on bigger guys in fights.

Terms of the deal not immediately released, check the comments when it breaks.

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Quiet day around here, eh boys and girls?

I’m surprised Wallace got a two year contract, that’s a pretty fair commitment to him and agood sign the organization is satisfied with his play at the AHL and NHL level. Good on him.

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*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2009 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would imagine both have gotten two way deals?

by Ulf Murphy on Jul 15, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m just patiently waiting for the schedule to drop. But I like the idea of keeping these two guys on board. Wallace is just one of those likable guys and Lovejoy is likely a future big name around the organization. There’s always a chance things don’t pan out of course, but I think the front office sees something in him that they’d like to have as a factor down the line.

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by FrankD on Jul 15, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why do you think only a one year deal? Do you think that came from Shero or LJ’s mgmt?

by Ulf Murphy on Jul 15, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it may play a part in the fact that Gonchar’s deal is up next season and I believe Letang’s is as well. McKee is only on for a year so that’s already three slots opening up next season. I’m sure if things work out well in one season for Lovejoy, there’s a chance he has a good shot at filling a spot on the blue line. Just my two cents.

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by FrankD on Jul 15, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Today’s the deadline to sign the qualifying offers too, could be that Lovejoy accepted that.

Either way a one year deal makes sense…No point in the Pens signing Lovejoy 3-4 years, he’s not proven to be an NHL capable defenseman. At the same time, if Lovejoy plays well this season, he’ll make more money for himself in future contracts than if he signed 3-4 years today.

One year deal makes sense for both sides at this point in his career.

Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*

*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night

by Hooks Orpik on Jul 15, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs