Pittsburgh Penguins sign Ryan Shea for one year

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Ryan Shea to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

Shea, 26, has spent his entire professional career with the AHL’s Texas Stars, recording 66 points in 163 games over four years. Shea had a career-high 32 points in 2021-22, his first season in the league.

Shea was originally drafted 121st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015, but did not sign with the team and would join Dallas instead. He ran four years with Northeastern University, winning the Hockey East title in 2018-19. He also represented the United States at the 2021 World Hockey Championship, recording one assist in three games.

The Penguins had a busy day, signing eight players, including goalies Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic. With new general manager Kyle Dubas in the lead, the Penguins currently hold $1.516 million above the salary cap. Drew O’Connor is currently an RFA and the last player without a contract for 2023-24.