Penguins sign Minnesota-Duluth captain Adam Krause

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed a college free agent, Minnesota-Duluth captain, forward Adam Krause.

From the Minnesota Duluth-News:

Krause agreed to a one-year AHL deal with the Penguins on Thursday, but will begin his pro hockey career either today or Saturday with Wheeling. Both organizations are minor-league affiliates of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Krause said he will take part in the NHL franchise’s camps this offseason.

"Obviously everyone wants that National Hockey League contract, but I’m extremely proud to sign an American league contract. That’s tough," Krause said. "It’s not a tryout or anything. It’s an actual contract. I have a guaranteed paycheck for next year. It’s exciting. It’s very cool.

"It’s a good first step. I’ve always had to prove myself. I think I can earn my stripes and I think a lot of the management in Pittsburgh likes how I play and I’ll have the opportunity to earn an NHL deal next year."

Krause, 23 years old is a 6'3, 210 pound forward. That's really what jumps out about him is his size. He didn't score much in college (7 goals,10 assists this season) but he did have to contend with a broken wrist this season as well.

It'll be interesting to keep an eye on him to see how he fares in Wheeling and see how he figures into fighting for a job in the AHL next season. The Pens don't have a lot of size up front, so anytime you can add a collegiate captain (character!) who's that big, it can't be too bad.

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Also, since we posted about college free agents a couple weeks ago, this seems like a good place for an update.

• Miami (Ohio) forward Austin Czarnik signed with the Boston Bruins (sad trombone).
  
• Union forward Mike Vecchione has announced he's returning to school for his junior season in 2015-16.
• No real word on Hampus Gustaffson's future
• Drake Caggiula is busy getting ready for the Frozen four next week