Penguins Sign Alexandre Picard, Re-Sign Brad Thiessen

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have signed defenseman Alexandre Picard and goaltender Brad Thiessen to one-year, two-way contracts. Picard's deal will pay him $600,000 at the NHL level, while Thiessen's contract will pay him $525,000 at the NHL level. In 43 games last season with the Montreal Canadiens, Picard had three goals and five assists for eight points. He missed the last seven games of the regular season and all seven of Montreal's playoff games with a foot injury. In 46 games last season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, Thiessen posted a 35-8-1 record, seven shutouts, a 1.94 GAA, and a .922 save percentage. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. These aren't bad signings for the Penguins, as both players will bring plenty of depth to the team at their positions. Picard has some puck-moving skill and skates well, although he is a bit inconsistent in his scoring. Given the depth on Pittsburgh's blueline for next season, Picard will likely start the season in the minors. Thiessen has been an excellent goaltender at the AHL level and is more than likely ready to see some NHL action as a backup goalie. However, given the Penguins' depth in goal next season with Marc-Andre Fleury and Brent Johnson, Thiessen will likely start the season in the minors.