Eaton signed; Malkin on IR

Monday, 25 February 2013 14:26

Written by Shelly Anderson

The Penguins today signed defenseman Mark Eaton to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

Eaton, 35, is a stay-at-home defenseman and was a member of the Penguins' 2009 Stanley Cup team. He had been practicing with the team in an informal arrangement, and Eaton has said he was hopeful it would lead to a contract.
Earlier this season, Eaton played six games with the Penguins' American Hockey League affiliate on a professional tryout agreement. He spent the previous two seasons with the New York Islanders.

To make room for Eaton on the roster, the Penguins placed center Evgeni Malkin on injured reserve. Don't panic. That's not necessarily an indication of the severity of Malkin's concussion or that he is expected to be out long term. He already was ruled out of playing on a three-game road trip that begins Tuesday at Florida. He could be activated from IR as soon as this weekend, with the Penguins then having to reduce its roster by one.