The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed four players to two-way contracts, adding Stefan Elliott, Zach Trotman, Jimmy Hayes and goaltender John Muse on one-year, two-way deals worth the minimum $650K at the NHL level. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will be happy with the announcement, as none of the four are expected to make a huge impact in the NHL next season.
Hayes may be the most notable name, as a former regular for both the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins. Once a 19-goal scorer, his career has dropped off a cliff over the last few years to the point of registering just nine points in 33 games for the New Jersey Devils last season after signing a professional tryout in the summer. Hayes, the older brother of New York Rangers forward Kevin Hayes, will try to find his game again in a system known for reclamation projects.
Trotman played in the Pittsburgh organization last season, and is re-signing after just a few hours of being an unrestricted free agent. The 27-year old actually suited up for three games in the NHL this past year, though did most of his work in the minor leagues. The big-bodied defenseman uses a long reach to effectively defend, but hasn’t really been able to establish himself at the highest level.
There are few North American pro hockey players that I’ve never heard of…John Muse is one.
I like the Elliot and, especially, Hayes signings. Hayes as a 15th forward is nice. Elliot is a low risk lotto ticket.