Sharks Sign Claude Lemieux to Two-Way Contract

Claude Lemieux is one step closer to returning to the NHL. The San Jose Sharks announced on Monday that they have signed the 43-year-old right wing to a one-year, two-way contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Lemieux has not played in the NHL since the 2002-03 season when he was with the Dallas Stars. He has been attempting an NHL comeback over the last few months and has been playing with the Sharks' AHL affiliate in Worcester. In 14 AHL games, Lemieux has two goals and four assists for six points. He has played in 1197 games, scoring 379 goals and 406 assists for 785 points with the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, and Dallas Stars. In Doug Wilson's eyes, he feels Lemieux has conditioned and played well enough at the minor league level to warrant signing him to an NHL contract. Throughout his NHL career, Lemieux was a pest and agitator, and will likely play the same role if is able to make the Sharks' roster. Given his age, Lemieux will likely play a limited role on the team's checking line and probably will not see any time on the scoring lines. Given his past success in the playoffs, Lemieux could play a bigger role on the team in the playoffs.