The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
The contract has an average annual value of $675,000, and runs through the 2012-13 season.
Adams, 34, played the last two-plus seasons with Pittsburgh and was a key contributor to the team’s Stanley Cup championship season in 2009. Adams, who was originally claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh March 4, 2009, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, but chose instead to re-sign with the Penguins.
Ever since being picked up on waivers in March of 2009, Adams has clawed his way into a solid niche on the Penguins 4th line and penalty kill. Despite providing almost no offensive in the regular season -- just 4 goals in his 171 games in a Pittsburgh jersey -- Adams has also shown a knack for goal scoring in the playoffs with six goals in 44 contest with the Pens.
Adams is a heart and soul player and a guy you win with. Getting him back adds an important element for the spine of the team. Adams will again be asked to do the dirty work, the small mostly un-noticed things to help the Pens be successful.
There was a report recently about a "cordial" face to face meeting between Adams and general manager Ray Shero. As a wise man predicted a few days ago, it appears Adams decided to take Shero up on his offer:
I think Adams will re-sign too. Sounded like from the meeting that he had with Shero that they disagreed on money. I think Adams will crack- he’s a solid guy, but not going to draw a ton of attention on the open market. He’s firmly established in Pittsburgh with his family, and the coach loves him. It’s not too long ago he was a waiver wire guy bouncing around (CAR to CHI to PIT) and I think he’ll eventually realize that if he can get two years here, his best bet is to take it.
This signing isn't likely to effect Tyler Kennedy or Pascal Dupuis, but could this have implications for Mike Rupp and Max Talbot? With Eric Tangradi, Joe Vitale and Nick Johnson knocking on the door for NHL promotions the roster spots could be filling up quickly...Stay tuned..