Pittsburgh Penguins Extend Joseph Cramarossa

Saturday: The Penguins have confirmed the contract.

Friday: The Pittsburgh Penguins have reached a one-year extension with Joseph Cramarossa, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports. The two-way contract is worth $700K at the NHL level. Cramarossa was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.

Now 26, Cramarossa hasn’t played in the NHL since 2016-17 when he split time between the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks. Originally a third-round pick, the former OHL forward has taken on a depth role in the minor leagues with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and will serve as injury insurance next season. In 56 games with the AHL Penguins this season he had 16 points, but racked up 116 penalty minutes.

Changes are coming for the Penguins this summer after a frustrating first-round exit, but some of their depth forwards will likely be re-signed to contracts like this. The team still has Adam Johnson, Joseph Blandisi, Zach Aston-Reese and Teddy Blueger as pending restricted free agent forwards, all four of which are eligible for arbitration.