The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Matt Cooke to a two-year contract on Saturday. The deal is 2-years for $1.2 million a season. He can fill a role as a penalty killer as well as take over as the team “pest.”

“Matt is a versatile forward that will bring grit, energy and experience to our lineup,” said Pens general manager Ray Shero. “He is the type of player that adds depth up front and is capable of providing offense for our hockey club.”

Cooke spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals. He notched 10 goals and 13 assists in 78 games. He is known as an agitator, more than a scorer. His best season was 2002-2003 (15g, 27a). The Pens feel he can take over the role of agitator that Jarko Ruutu filled last season. Ruttu was signed away by Ottawa in the off-season for about the same money that Cooke will get from the pens this year and next. He did get beaten soundly by former Penguin Ryan Malone during a fight last season. Cooke is considered a spark plug and should fit well on the 3rd or 4th line.

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