Sportsnet.ca — The Pittsburgh Penguins signed free agent forward Matt Cooke to a two-year contract, the club announced Saturday.
Cooke, 29, collected 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 78 games last season between the Washington Capitals and the Vancouver Canucks.
He was acquired by the Capitals at the trade deadline after playing eight and a half seasons in Vancouver. Cooke ranked 14th in the league with 198 hits during the regular season.
Cooke will make $1.2 million in each of the 2008 09 and ’09 ’10 seasons.
“Matt is a versatile forward that will bring grit, energy and experience to our line-up,” Penguins executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero said in a release. “He is the type of player that adds depth upfront and is capable of providing offense for our hockey club."
Cooke posted highs in all offensive categories during the 2002-03 season; goals (15), assists (27), points (42), while registering a plus-21 rating overall.
He has notched 10-or-more goals in six of his 11 NHL seasons and collected 20-or-more assists on three occasions.
The 5-11, 205-pound native of Belleville, Ontario has played 583 career games, registering 210 points (86 goals, 124 assists) and 652 penalty minutes.
