The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Michigan Tech defenceman Dane Birks to a two-year contract.
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Tuesday that the team has signed defensive prospect Dane Birks to a two-year entry-level contract.
The Penguins signed the defenceman during their beatdown by Detroit on Tuesday evening.
A New Prospect
Birks is the Pittsburgh Penguins sixth-round draft pick in 2013, selected 164th overall. His deal is set to begin with the 2018-19 season. For now, he’ll report to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins later this week on an amateur tryout contract. If he can impress the team he will stay on board.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Birks, has played the past three seasons collegiately at Michigan Tech, totalling seven goals, 23 assists and 30 points during his time there improving his offensive totals in all three of his seasons. This year, Birks had five goals, 13 assists, 18 points and a plus-10 in 44 games.
Building the Prospect Pool
The Penguins are making a clear effort to rebuild their prospect pool. Getting new talent in as their team ages is key to maintaining long-term success. I think Dane Birks is a great addition and I look forward to seeing what type of player he turns out to be on the blue-line. Whether he is a career AHLer or NHLer, the Penguins are doing a good job at signing prospects now.