Penguins Sign Denver Manderson

Photo: Timo Savela

According to this article from Penticon Western News, the Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Denver Manderson to a one-year, two-way deal. The two-way deal is between the ECHL and AHL. This is not an NHL deal. Manderson was a former teammate of the Penguins' 2010 first round pick Beau Bennett in the BCHL with the Penitcon Vees.

After 113 points (40G-73A) in 50 games with the Vees in 2009-10, Manderson spent last season in Finland with HeKi, posting an impressive 33 points (17G-16A) in 46 games. The Fergus, Ontario native is only 22 years old, and at 5-10 and just 174 lbs. according to Eliteprospects he certainly needs to bulk up a little bit to be able to take the daily punishment he might receive in the AHL.

The Penticon article seems to suggest that Manderson will be reporting to the WBS Penguins training camp and most likely be playing for the Wheeling Nailers, the Penguins ECHL affiliate. But as we know, injuries and call ups are not uncommon so we will have to keep track of where Manderson plays in 2011-12. But it definitely looks like he will be playing in the Penguins organization for at least one year.