The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have signed free agent Dennis Bonvie to a multi-year contract, it was announced Monday by Penguins’ CEO Jeff Barrett.
Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Bonvie, 32, appeared in a career-high 76 games last season with Hershey (AHL), recording 18 points (4g, 14a) and 357 penalty minutes. He ranked second in the league in penalty minutes and fourth in major penalties (35). The 357 penalty minutes were the most in a season for Bonvie since the 1996-97 campaign, when he set a then-league record with 522 in a season.
“Today’s a great day for the Penguins organization and our fans,” said Penguins coach Michel Therrien. “Dennis is a hardworking, tough and physical player, who comes to play every night. In addition, his leadership and experience will have a great impact on our younger players. I’m looking forward to having him on the team.”
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound native of Antigonish, N.S., has appeared in 693 AHL games, including 107 with the Penguins from 1999-2001. In two seasons, he recorded 54 points (10g, 44a) and 464 penalty minutes, and helped the Penguins to the 2001 Calder Cup Finals.
During his 12-year AHL career, Bonvie has recorded 245 points (78g, 167a) and 3,673 PIM in the AHL with Cape Breton, Hamilton, Portland, Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Providence, Binghamton and Hershey. He is the AHL’s all-time leader in penalty minutes, and appeared in the 1995 AHL All-Star Game.
Bonvie has also appeared in 92 NHL games with Edmonton, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Ottawa and Colorado, collecting one goal, two assists and 311 PIM.
