The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Beau Bennett to a one-year contract, according to a statement released by general manager Jim Rutherford. The contract is a one-way deal worth $800,000.
Bennett, 23, scored four goals and recorded eight assists in 49 games with the Penguins in 2014-15. Bennett was sidelined by a series of injuries and the mumps, causing him to miss extended periods of time throughout the year.
Bennett was the Penguins first-round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, taken 20th overall. He spent two seasons at the University of Denver before turning pro in 2012.
Through his three-year career, staying on the ice has been an issue for Bennett as he has played just 96 games at the NHL level, with 10 goals and 23 assists.
Bennett would have to clear waivers to be assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season. He played in two AHL games on a rehab assignment in 2014-15, recording five assists and a plus-4 rating.
He had been a restricted free agent and qualified by the Penguins. His $800,000 salary is $100,00 less than he earned last season. Bennett will be a restricted free agent again following the expiry of this contract.
With the Penguins top six suddenly crowded, Bennett will have several players to battle for playing time and could yet again line up alongside center Brandon Sutter on the third line.
The Penguins now only have one restricted free agent to sign; forward Dominik Uher.
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