Penguins sign Christian Ehrhoff to one year deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins made the first major signing of the day.

Christian Ehrhoff has agreed to terms on a one-year deal at $4M with PIT. #TSN #FAF

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2014

After all the talk was about the forwards, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the biggest first splash of the day, signing a defenseman in Christian Ehrhoff .

The Pens needed to replace Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen, both free agents who won't be back.

This could be a bigger piece still to come, particularly with Paul Martin who has one year left on his contract. Martin hasn't shown interest in re-signing and might be moved. If so, the Pens have his replacement at a $1 million dollar savings.

Ehrhoff has been a pretty consistent player and is a quality NHL defenseman, he'll be a great addition in Pittsburgh. For just one year and at this price-tag, it looks like a good move to make, but it seems clear there are a lot more dominoes that will soon be falling as the free agent frenzy picks up.