While it hasn't been announced yet, the Penguins are set to reach an agreement on a one-year contract with former St. Louis Blues' and now current unrestricted free agent defenseman Jay McKee.
Reports are that the deal will be for approximately 800 or 850K.
McKee, 31, is a defensive defenseman and known shot-blocker, and will play a big part in the Penguins trying to replace Rob Scuderi on the backline. He played a huge role on the Buffalo Sabres blueline in the middle of this decade before the NHL lowered the free agency age with the new collective bargaining agreement, which allowed McKee to strike it rich with a 4-year, 16 million dollar deal in St. Louis coming out of the lockout.
After 3 years with the Blues -- and several injury-prone seasons -- McKee's contract was bought out, which frankly is what made him so attractive on the open market this summer.
McKee was being courted by several teams, including the Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators. Because of the buyout, St. Louis has to pay McKee about 2.5 million this season. That allowed McKee to accept a much lesser salary and choose a contender to play with for the coming year.
By joining The Boys of Winter, he clearly has done that.
McKee will be a good addition for Pittsburgh. Even though only 31, he does have wear on his tires, and remains injury prone because of his physical, defensive style of play. However, McKee was healthy most of last year and, when he suits up his 6' 4" frame, he definitely can help the Penguins in the corners and in front of the net.
Overall, Mckee will be a good depth signing by Shero. Especially at that price.
Team grades next week. I promise.
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