Penguins Sign Defenseman Boris Valabik

[Killah_punk]

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Boris Valabik to a one-year contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Valabik’s contract is a two-way contract worth $550,000 at the NHL level.

Valabik, 25, split the 2010-11 season between the Chicago Wolves and Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL), notching 11 assists and 189 penalty minutes in 59 regular-season games between the teams.

Valabik, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound blueliner, began this past season as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers organization while suiting up for Chicago of the AHL. On Feb. 18, Valabik was traded to the Boston organization in a deal that also brought forward Rich Peverley to the Bruins in exchange for forward Blake Wheeler and defenseman Mark Stuart.

A native of Nitra, Slovakia, Valabik was selected by the Thrashers in the first round (10th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Valabik spent parts of three seasons skating with the Thrashers from 2007-10, collecting seven assists and 210 penalty minutes in 80 NHL games.

Valabik has spent the majority of his pro career with Chicago (AHL). Overall, Valabik has appeared in 184 AHL regular-season games, notching 31 points (4G-27A) and 633 penalty minutes. He was a vital member of the Wolves’ 2007-08 Calder Cup championship squad, scoring three goals and four points in 24 postseason contests.

Prior to joining the Thrashers organization, Valabik played three seasons of junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Valabik played 163 regular-season games with the Rangers, amassing 29 points (4G-25A) and 725 penalty minutes. He added two assists in 25 postseason games.

[Dick Cheney]

Good depth signing. He probably won't see too much time on the Pens blue-line, but he adds some size and toughness depth at WBS.

[FightingIsGood]

He had better not be their "enforcer" and is only signed for toughness in WBS.

[T800m101]

Now Crosby can ball-punch Boris all he wants.

[thepolishkid88]

I ****ing hate this guy. Dont need him here at the NHL level, I would rather see some of the kids come up if injuries or suspensions become a problem.

Weird seeing him as a Pen though.

[JeanLaRose]

if he develops a little bit more this could be a very good signing, he's still young and he's huge and was projected to develop into a chara-type player but that never happened... maybe the change of scenery will light a fire under his big slovak ass

[Machinehead2k5]

He was having his break out year in 08-09 til he broke his leg. Then comes back the following year for 20 or so games and ends up hurting the same leg again the in the 09-10 season.

He'll be a good hal Gill type of defenseman if he can stay healthy and keep his emotions in check a little bit.

[Podollan]

He is hopefully not the replacement for Godard as he is no Enforcer at all.

[Rugged]

Shero needs to swallow his pride and re-sign Godard, like now. I really used to like that guy but his tough guy routine is wearing thin real quick. If they choose not to re-sign Godard, I'd take Zonopka in a heartbeat.

And, no, no one is expecting Valabik to become the Pens' new enforcer. Engelland will have to do the heavy lifting.

[AvalancheFan]

Valabik was drafted as a project.

In my opinion, had he been drafted into a better organization in terms of developing players, he could have been successful.

Now it seems that he won't make the NHL at all.

His high draft position was based on the pre lockout NHL, where his lack of speed could have been less visible (like Rathje, Therien, McAllister).

[Sukoshi84]

Over rated and literally had his soul eaten by Tootoo when that big jumbo bitch got beat up by a guy almost a ft taller and 50 lbs heavier!!

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

Originally Posted by JeanLaRose

if he develops a little bit more this could be a very good signing, he's still young and he's huge and was projected to develop into a chara-type player but that never happened... maybe the change of scenery will light a fire under his big slovak ass

I always wonder about this when these big ass defenseman come along. Now that teams have seen what Chara is capable of, why not focus everything on making guys (like Valabik) into a carbon copy?

Does anyone even remember how god aweful Zdeno Chara was when he broke in. He couldn't skate, hit, fight, or basically do any of the things he does now. Did he really have that much ability hiding deep inside, or was he just given time? I'm not saying Valabik would be a Norris Trophy winner, but would certainly think he could have developed into more than he is, which is almost nothing.

[AvalancheFan]

Originally Posted by BROKEN*ORBITAL

I always wonder about this when these big ass defenseman come along. Now that teams have seen what Chara is capable of, why not focus everything on making guys (like Valabik) into a carbon copy?

Does anyone even remember how god aweful Zdeno Chara was when he broke in. He couldn't skate, hit, fight, or basically do any of the things he does now. Did he really have that much ability hiding deep inside, or was he just given time? I'm not saying Valabik would be a Norris Trophy winner, but would certainly think he could have developed into more than he is, which is almost nothing.

Chara worked very hard and still works very hard. That is why he improved from being a fringe defender in NYI to a Norris winner in Boston.

At this point, Valabik reminds me more of Chris McAllister (in his playing style).

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

Originally Posted by AvalancheFan

Chara worked very hard and still works very hard. That is why he improved from being a fringe defender in NYI to a Norris winner in Boston.

At this point, Valabik reminds me more of Chris McAllister (in his playing style).

My entire point was a guy like Valabik would/could work as hard as Chara. The difference is when they were drafted they were told very different tales. Chara was given lots of time to develop. LOTS. Valabik was drafted 10th overall, given little time to develop, and then was painted with the "tough guy" brush and that's where he's been ever since.

Again, I'm not saying Valabik could or would be as good as Chara. But had he been given the time I definately think he could have been made into more than what he is. It isn't often that 6'7" defenseman come along. If you've got one you oughta do everything you can to turn him into that huge stay at home type defender.

[ThrowdownSJ408]

hes so soft the Rick Ryp beat the piss out of him too! Pens getting softer losing Rupp and Godard. D.E. is legit but Asham getting older wont see too many FM's.