Eaton willing to wait

Tuesday, 26 February 2013 14:09

Written by Dave Molinari

Defenseman Mark Eaton got a contract from the Penguins Monday.

That doesn't necessarily mean he'll get a spot in their lineup anytime soon.

Coach Day Bylsma made it clear after the Penguins' game-day skate at the BB&T Center today that Eaton, who will sit out their game against Florida this evening, might not make it into uniform in the immediate future.

"I don't think there's a rush at this point to get Mark in today or the next game, or even a schedule at this point in time," Bylsma said.

The addition of Eaton gives the Penguins eight defensemen on their 23-man roster, a fairly unwieldy number because of the difficulty of getting enough playing time for all of them.

"Carrying eight is not ideal," Bylsma said. "But we're adding ... a guy who not only is a veteran guy but (one) who knows Pittsburgh, knows our team. He's obviously won and competed at a high level."

And Eaton, who became a free agent in July after his contract with the New York Islanders expired, sounds eager to do it again.

"I'm going to work hard and try to crack the top six," he said. "You don't come here and just be happy watching games. You want to work your way into the lineup."

Eaton played six games with the Penguins' farm team in Wilkes-Barre as part of a professional tryout contract and has had several practices with the Penguins since last week.

He said he feels ready to dress for games, even though his conditioning won't reach the highest possible level until he actually starts facing other clubs.

"You're not going to be comfortable or get in NHL game shape until you actually play in a game," he said. "I'm doing as much as I can without playing in games right now."