Pens add grit by signing Aaron Asham

The Pittsburgh Penguins added some more grit and toughness to their lineup with the signing of winger Arron Asham on Friday, Pittsburgh Penguins Correspondent Robbie Naugle breaks it down.

Asham agreed to a one-year, one-way deal worth 700K to come over from Division rival Philadelphia Flyers–where he posted 10 goals and 14 assists. Asham also scored four goals in the playoffs on his way to the Stanley Cup Finals with Philadelphia.

He will mostly likely make his biggest impact playing along Adams and Rupp on the fourth line as he is mostly known for his rough play and will be a welcome addition among the bottom two lines of the Pittsburgh lineup. A huge plus side about this signing is that Asham can also put the puck in the net; though he will be mostly used for his physical presence he could also be counted on for 10-15 goals during the season.

When asked why he chose Pittsburgh as the team to sign with he said because he thought they had the best chance to win the Stanley Cup in the Eastern Conference along with Philadelphia.

With Asham signed, sealed, and delivered the Penguins are left with just under $1.5 million left under the cap to sign another player. Billy Guerin is expected to make a decision on his future this coming week sometime. The Penguins are said to be on his short list of teams he would like to play with next season. It’s rumored that Boston and the Rangers are also on that list. If Guerin does not sign with Pittsburgh then Ray Shero will look either another cheap free agent or dip into the farm system.

The Penguins’ front office is expected to hold an internal meeting sometime this week to discuss other possible free agents signings like Guerin.

Robbie Naugle
NHLHS Pittsburgh Penguins Correspondent
rnaugle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PENSonNHLHS