Penguins sign Engelland to three-year extension - 01-03-10

The Penguins have signed defenseman Deryk Engelland to a three-year contract extension worth $1.7001. It will have a salary cap hit of $566,700.

Engelland, 28, is in his first full season with the Penguins at the NHL level. In 32 games, he has five points (two goals, three assists) and leads the team with 76 penalty minutes.

While primarily playing the role of a sixth defenseman, Engelland has developed into one of the league's best fighters. He has routinely fought the likes of Colton Orr, Jody Shelley and George Parros.

EN Says: Nice move. The Penguins have done a wonderful job of turning a guy who seemed to be a career minor leaguer into a viable NHL regular.

While Engelland's abilities with his fists have gotten all sorts of attention, he has brought some solid consistent play on the blue line. He's a physical force along the boards. He is rarely out of position and has even contributed a little offense. Additionally, he's a right-handed shot something which is a rarity in this sport for whatever reason.

(Photo: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)