The Pittsburgh Penguins have retained an important depth player, extending forward Craig Adams for two more years.
↵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.
↵
Since being picked up on waivers in March of 2009, Adams has clawed his way into a solid role on the Penguins' fourth line and penalty kill. Despite providing almost no offense in the regular season — just four 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 led all Penguins forwards in short-handed time on ice per game (3:05) and blocked shots (64), and was third in hits (171).
↵Though superstars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin get the glory and attention for their contributions to the team, winning teams often have "grunts" like Adams contributing in gritty capacities. At near-league-minimum salary, Adams should again be a bargain for the Pittsburgh Penguins.