Martin Skoula (AP Photo)
The Penguins added some needed experience on the blueline today by signing defenseman Martin Skoula to a one year contract.
Born in Litomerice, Czechoslovakia, Skoula has played in the NHL for nine seasons, breaking into the league with Colorado and helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2001. He later played for the Anaheim Ducks, the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild.
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
| 1999-00 | COL | 80 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 5 | 20 |
| 2000-01 | COL | 82 | 8 | 17 | 25 | 8 | 38 |
| 2001-02 | COL | 82 | 10 | 21 | 31 | -3 | 42 |
| 2002-03 | COL | 81 | 4 | 21 | 25 | 11 | 68 |
| 2003-04 | COL | 58 | 2 | 14 | 16 | 2 | 30 |
| 2003-04 | ANH | 21 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 2 |
| 2005-06 | DAL | 61 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 6 | 36 |
| 2005-06 | MIN | 17 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 10 |
| 2006-07 | MIN | 81 | 0 | 15 | 15 | 9 | 36 |
| 2007-08 | MIN | 80 | 3 | 8 | 11 | -16 | 26 |
| 2008-09 | MIN | 81 | 4 | 12 | 16 | -12 | 10 |
Despite Colorado’s success during his time on the team, Skoula has taken a good bit of criticism over the years in both Colorado and Minnesota for his defensive positioning and giving the puck up in his own zone.
Skoula joins a Penguins defensive squad that seemingly was set to start the season, but I expect Skoula to play a role similar to Philippe Boucher last season.
Defensemen
Orpik – Gonchar
Eaton - Letang
Goligoski – McKee
Skoula
Photo Slideshow:
Click the slideshow link below for Martin Skoula photos.
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