Pittsburgh signs Weaver to two-way deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins, parent club of the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, have signed defenseman Mike Weaver to a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract.

Weaver, 29, spent most of the 2006-07 season with the Los Angeles Kings, registering nine points (three goals, six assists) in 39 games played. He scored his first NHL goal on Feb. 6, 2007, vs. Tampa Bay. Weaver also skated in six AHL games with Manchester last season, recording one goal and three assists.

A native of Brampton, Ont., Weaver has played a total of 255 AHL games over six seasons, compiling nine goals and 49 assists for 58 points. In 2004-05 with Manchester, Weaver ranked first among all AHL defensemen and third overall with a plus/minus rating of plus-35, and in 2001-02 he won a Calder Cup championship with the Chicago Wolves.

Prior to beginning his professional career in 2000, Weaver played four seasons at Michigan State University. He was twice named to the CCHA First All-Star Team (1999, 2000) and winner of the CCHA Best Defensive Defenseman Award (1999, 2000). Weaver was also named to the NCAA West All-American Second Team in both 1999 and 2000.