Penguins Sign Free Agent Defenseman Lyle Odelein

[penguinsfan1]

PITTSBURGH - The Penguins have signed free agent defenseman Lyle Odelein, it was announced today by General Manager Craig Patrick.

Odelein, 37, has appeared in 1,029 NHL games in 14 seasons with Montreal, New Jersey, Phoenix, Columbus, Chicago, Dallas and Florida, recording 251 points (50+201) and 2,266 penalty minutes.

Odelein played in all 82 games with Florida in 2003-04, recording 16 points (4+12) and 88 penalty minutes. Odelein has played in at least 68 games during each of the past nine seasons.

The 6-0 and 210 pound native of Quill Lake, Sask. was drafted by the Canadiens in the seventh round (141st overall) of the 1986 Entry Draft.

[Ciccarelli]

Ape is back.
I don't know if this are good news for the Pens, they sign Odelein and haven't resigned Brooks Orpik yet.

[VodkaFish]

I was hoping Odelein would wind up in the Central division, but it's a good signing by the Pens. They needed a rugged, veteran dman.

[HordiBrusk29]

I must say I am surprised by this move. I figured Odelein was done. Either way, a little more toughness on the Pens is never a bad thing...

[bustoff]

I thought he retired. I don't think he has much fight left in him. Hate to see him turn into a total punching bag.

[tie domi28]

Odelien isnt half the fighter he used to be but he can still play the game and add grit to any linenup, he should fit in nicely on the Penguins defence.

[Blouin]

Good signing to develop young guys. Plus adds a little toughness

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by bustoff

Hate to see him turn into a total punching bag.

He already has considering he got dropped by Buchberger of all people in 03-04...

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

He already has considering he got dropped by Buchberger of all people in 03-04...

thats about as low as it gets, matt barnaby will always be the deciding factor for punching bag though. get ko'ed by barnaby, retire, and move off the continent.

lyle will certainly help the blue line for the pens, if not with attempted fights, with his leadership and overall knowledge of the game. good pickup for the pens to sign the journeyman.

[The Bully]

When Barnaby KO'ed Odelein?

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by The Bully

When Barnaby KO'ed Odelein?

He didn't.

[Captain Crunch28]

Good to watch him play another season. I remembered him in Columbus, very exciting!

[Faz]

Sad if they're expecting him to be an enforcer when he's over the hill. But absolutely perfect if he's just to add a mature head and body to hold the fort in the defensive end while Mario, Sid the Kid, Ziggy and Gonchar shoot up a storm down the far end!

Maybe MAF and Caron could face less than 50 shots a game. Maybe.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Faz

Sad if they're expecting him to be an enforcer when he's over the hill.

Considering they have Roy and VandenBussche I'd say it is a safe bet that they don't expect Odelein to be the enforcer.

[canuckfan]

Long Live Cornelius! Great to see him around for at least one more season!