WBS inks familiar faces

Wednesday, 23 January 2013 17:16

Written by Shelly Anderson

The Penguins' American Hockey League affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, signed two former Penguins to professional tryout agreements.

Defenseman Mark Eaton, 35, was part of the 2009 Stanley Cup team but has battled injuries over the years. He spent the past two seasons with the New York Islanders.

Winger Tom Kostopoulos, 33, was a seventh-round draft pick by the Penguins in 1999. He was an All-Star in 2001-02, when he led the Penguins in scoring with 53 points, but he was gone by the time of the 2004-05 lockout. He is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's all-time leader in games played (318), goals (97), assists (149), points (246) and in playoff scoring list with 38 points in 51 games.

Kostopoulos spent last season with Calgary.

Don't get your hopes or dander up; signing a pro tryout is far removed from playing for the NHL Penguins. Most likely, the two veterans were looking for a place to get paid to play and allow NHL teams to see them and keep them in mind.