:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67608780/927794252.jpg.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dipped into the free agent market to bolster their forward corps again. After news broke with the return of Evan Rodrigues to Pittsburgh, the Pens have struck again and added center Mark Jankowski.
Jankowski received the same minimum salary as Rodrigues — one year at a $700,000 rate.
One year at $700,000. https://t.co/rd7laNBR3j
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 9, 2020
Jankowski, 26, was a first round pick in 2012 by the Flames. He has spent the past few years in Calgary but was not given a qualifying offer this week and became a free agent. Over the past few years he has developed into a limited player at even strength but has been a solid penalty killing option. At 6’4 and 212 pounds, Jankowski will also add some size to the Pens.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Mark Jankowski. We're waiting for more details. pic.twitter.com/Hm5uX6RBc1
— Andy & Rono (@HockeyStatsCZ) October 9, 2020
Mark Jankowski is a good defensive forward who isn't good for much else #LetsGoPens https://t.co/wKF9CjjTMM pic.twitter.com/BaMopzFvzl
— HB Analytics (@HBAnalytica) October 9, 2020
Mark Jankowksi (with Pittsburgh, I assume cheap as) is a good defensive forward. pic.twitter.com/nOYaaJwRuB
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) October 9, 2020
Here’s his hockeydb resume:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21949084/Capture.jpg)
Jankowski has played center and wing, he took 425 faceoffs in 56 games last year with Calgary (4.56 per game) and 820 in 79 games in 2018-19 (10.3 per game) in 2018-19.
The Pens were looking to get younger and these two signings today with Jankowski and Rodrigues fit that profile to give the team lower-lineup options that have some flexibility. After these two signings Pittsburgh has a little more than $2.5 million dollars in available salary cap space.