Penguins Sign Orpik and Carkner

[caps05]

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a two-year contract and signed free agent defenseman Matt Carkner to a one-year deal, it was announced Sunday by General Manager Ray Shero. Orpik’s arbitration hearing had been scheduled for July 24.

Orpik, 25, recorded nine points (2+7) and 124 penalty minutes in 64 games with the Penguins during the 2005-06 season, his second full NHL season. Orpik led the team in hits (203) and blocked shots (122) and improved his plus/minus by 33 points from his rookie season in 2003-04 (-36) to the 2005-06 season (-3).

The 6-2 and 228-pound native of San Francisco, California has played in 149 NHL games, all with the Penguins, recording 19 points (3+16) and 253 penalty minutes.

Orpik was drafted by the Penguins in the first round (18th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Carkner, 25, appeared in 69 games with the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League during the 2005-06 season, tallying 31 points (10+21) and 202 penalty minutes. He set new career highs in goals (10), assists (21) and points (31), despite only playing in 69 games.

The 6-4 and 235 pound defenseman has appeared in 315 games for the Barons since 2001, recording 62 points (13+49) and 948 penalty minutes. He ranks first all-time on Cleveland’s games played list and was the team’s all-time leader in penalty minutes as well.

The native of Winchester, Ontario was originally selected in the second round (58th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. The San Jose Sharks signed Carkner as a free agent on June 7, 2001.

[jgdeadrabbit]

Het bud,I get the Ryder news here as well as the other post.

[Jensen]

That link sends you to the Michael Ryder article.

[Captain Crunch28]

Carkner should add some toughness to the Pens

[doaner]

Originally Posted by Jensen

That link sends you to the Michael Ryder article.

I think he got the point with the first post.

[jgdeadrabbit]

Originally Posted by doaner

I think he got the point with the first post.

Looks like we posted at almost the same time.

[jgdeadrabbit]

Originally Posted by Captain Crunch28

Carkner should add some toughness to the Pens

Or the Baby Pens.Is he skilled enuff to make the Big Time?

[Captain Crunch28]

Originally Posted by jgdeadrabbit

Or the Baby Pens.Is he skilled enuff to make the Big Time?

No, he wont be in the NHL.. I meant the baby pens, srry for the confusion.

[Podollan]

Carkner is great...He is real huge, was a great fighter in the OHL and can also play.
I think he will maybe play some nhl games too.


Cairns & Roy and Carkner&Bonvie
Thats nice!

2 Heavys for every team-

[jgdeadrabbit]

Is Terry his dad or uncle?
Was a big Terry Carkner fan.The guy could fight AND play.

I'm still gonna have to verbally abuse him when W.B./Scranton comes to town.

[Captain Crunch28]

Originally Posted by Podollan

Carkner is great...He is real huge, was a great fighter in the OHL and can also play.
I think he will maybe play some nhl games too.


Cairns & Roy and Carkner&Bonvie
Thats nice!

2 Heavys for every team-

Carkner will most likely see no nhl time.
Is Bonvie even playing next season? I thought he was going to retire.

[J_Shelley45]

Good signing for Carks and the Baby Pens. He is a bit slow in stride for the new NHL but is a great policeman and has respect around the league. To compare, he is about a 1/2 stride slower than his former partner Rob Davison. He is a smarter version of Orpik. Oh yeah, he is Terry's cousin, if I remember right.

[FightingIsGood]

Looks like Shero inherited his love of tough guys from his father...and that's a Good Thing (tm)