Penguins Acquire Defenseman Leopold from Panthers

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Florida Panthers in exchange for their second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 61 games with the Panthers this season, he has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. He was acquired by the Panthers this past summer in the Jay Bouwmeester trade and signed to a one-year contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 416 career NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers, Leopold has 36 goals and 91 assists for 127 points. This is a decent trade for the Penguins, as Leopold will bring plenty of offense to their defense. He will also bring some experience to a blueline that has seen its share of injuries this season. Leopold is likely a rental player for the Penguins for the playoffs, but he will bring plenty of skill and depth to the team and will be a welcome addition to their defense if injuries begin to mount again.