McKee, 31, is not coming here for his offensive abilities. He had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 69 games last season with St. Louis. He's never scored more than five goals in a season and his career-high in points is 17.
His games is defense. He was seventh in the NHL last season in blocked shots with 185. For the sake of perspective, Rob Scuderi led the Penguins last season with 164. He has finished in the top ten in three of the past four seasons. In 2005-06, his final season in Buffalo, he led the league with 241. McKee plays a rugged, hard hitting game, similar to Brooks Orpik. At about 6'4" and 204 lbs he should add the right mix we need to replace the departed Gill and Scuderi.......he hit harder than both, and as stated, he blocks as many shots, or more, than Scuds did! He came at a great price, one year and $800,000, which should leave the Pens room to make a move on a solid backup goaltender.........the one issue with McKee is durability.......he is oft injured, due in part to the way he plays the game.......if he can stay healthy, he is exactly the kind of guy they needed.......Oh yeah, he doesn't mind dropping the gloves either. All in all, a very solid Shero-like signing.
His games is defense. He was seventh in the NHL last season in blocked shots with 185. For the sake of perspective, Rob Scuderi led the Penguins last season with 164. He has finished in the top ten in three of the past four seasons. In 2005-06, his final season in Buffalo, he led the league with 241. McKee plays a rugged, hard hitting game, similar to Brooks Orpik. At about 6'4" and 204 lbs he should add the right mix we need to replace the departed Gill and Scuderi.......he hit harder than both, and as stated, he blocks as many shots, or more, than Scuds did! He came at a great price, one year and $800,000, which should leave the Pens room to make a move on a solid backup goaltender.........the one issue with McKee is durability.......he is oft injured, due in part to the way he plays the game.......if he can stay healthy, he is exactly the kind of guy they needed.......Oh yeah, he doesn't mind dropping the gloves either. All in all, a very solid Shero-like signing.
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