The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to terms with forward Stefan Noesen on a one-year contract that goes to the end of the current season. The two-way deal has an average annual value of $700,000 at the NHL level, which is the current minimum salary for the league.
Noesen, 26, had been previously playing on an AHL level deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh's minor league affiliate. In 22 games this year with WBS, the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder recorded 14 goals, eight assists and 22 points with a plus-8. His team-leading 14 goals and 22 points ranked second and ninth, respectively, across the entire AHL. His 14 goals thus far are also a career high.
Noesen most recently played in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils, where he spent parts of three seasons. He is a former first round draft pick, taken 21st overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2011. He has played 159 career NHL games split between the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils, recording 24 goals, 21 assists and 45 points. His best season came in 2017-18 with the Devils, when he recorded 13 goals, 14 assists and 27 points in 72 games.
Other than Noesen's excellent start to the AHL season earning him the contract, the Penguins are also looking to fill holes left by injuries to a few members of the team. Sidney Crosby, Justin Almeida, Nick Bjugstad, and Justin Schultz are all on injured reserve. Brian Dumoulin will miss up to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery recently. Bryan Rust is currently listed as day-to-day.
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