Craig Adams Signs Two-Year Extension with Pittsburgh Penguins

Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports:

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The Penguins today signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year, $1.35 million contract that runs through the 2012-13 season.

Adams, 34, would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency if not re-signed by July 1.

A physical fourth-liner and penalty-killer, Adams was claimed off waivers by the Penguins in March 2009 and was part of the Penguins' Stanley Cup team that spring.

He had four goals, 15 points in 80 games in 2010-11.

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Few, if any, four goal forwards were as important to their NHL clubs as Craig Adams was to the Penguins last season.

Averaging just above 12 minutes on ice per game, Adams was fourth on the team in hits, first among forwards in blocked shots and time on ice short handed.

Adams is also Pittsburgh's best right-handed faceoff option.

Succinctly put, Adams makes the very most out of every second he gets on the ice. He does everything and more that Coach Dan Bylsma asks of him.

It's little wonder why his re-signing was such a priority for the team.

The most important fourth liner in the league is now under wraps for two more seasons in Pittsburgh.