Brian Metzer

Garth, Brian Metzer, and Andy Strickland from Hockeybuzz are all reporting that former Blue Jay McKee will agree to a 1 year, $800,000 contract with the Penguins by Friday.

Links:
Metzer on Twitter
GARTH on Hockeybuzz
Strickland on Twitter

I think its a great deal for all three parties.

The Blues saved some money and cleared roster space for Pietrangelo.
The Pens aquire a Hal Gill replacement at half of the cost of Gill’s 08-09 Contract.
Jay McKee is still getting paid well for doing Plumber’s work.

I’ve gotten to meet Jay. I think he is a good guy and a good hockey player. He took more money to come to St. Louis when the team was bad and the fans ripped on him for not living up to his $4 million cap hit. In the post lockout NHL, is Jay “worth” $4 million per year? Likely not because of his lack of mobility. However, Jay brings charecter, experience, top notch shot blocking, and solid defensive work. Pens fans will love Jay for $800,000 as much as Blues fans disliked him at a $4 million cap hit.