WBS Penguins Re-sign Ryan Schnell

The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins have re-signed forward Ryan Schnell to a one-year AHL contract. It was announced by the team today. Schnell adds more grit and toughness to an already physical lineup that includes Boris Valabik, Keven Veilleux and Zach Sill.

I see Schnell being that 12th/13th forward for the WBS Penguins when they need the extra muscle. He isn't afraid to drop the gloves and this probably signals the end of Jesse Boulerice, who is still an unrestricted free agent.

Also announced was the signing of Steve MacIntyre by the Pittsburgh Penguins last night to a one-year, two-way deal that will pay him $600,000 at the NHL level. He looks to replace former Penguin Eric Godard, who was signed to a two-year deal with the Dallas Stars yesterday. If MacIntyre doesn't stick with Pittsburgh, then Wilkes-Barre's lineup just got a whole lot tougher the last two days.

MacIntyre, 6-5, 250 lbs, played for the Edmonton Oilers last season and spent time with the Rochester Americans in 2009-10.  Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie said in his blog post yesterday that MacIntyre would become the AHL's toughest man, hands down, if he was sent to Wilkes-Barre.

Looks like the Penguins should be done adding toughness and muscle to the lineup at both levels. The AHL Penguins still need a backup goalie, unless they are content with Patrick Killeen, We should probably find out more about this after Killeen's week at the Penguins development camp in Pittsburgh is over.