The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Maxime Talbot to a two-year contract through the 2010-11 season, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

The 5-11, 185-pound forward has registered seven points (four goals, three assists) along with 18 penalty minutes in 28 games this season with Pittsburgh.  Talbot has a winning faceoff percentage of 57.1% this season and is currently tied for fourth on the team with 44 hits.

"Max has developed into one of the key players in our organization," Shero said. "He has shown his versatility and plays in all situations for our hockey club.  He played an integral role in helping our team reach the Finals last season and we look forward to having him for the coming years.” 

The 24-year old appeared in 63 games, posting career-highs with 26 points and 14 assists, while adding 12 goals and 53 penalty minutes last season.  He tallied nine points (three goals, six assists) along with 36 penalty minutes in 17 playoff contests helping the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals.  Talbot scored a late goal tying the game 3-3 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Detroit.  The Penguins went on to win the game in triple overtime and force Game 6 in Pittsburgh.

The Lemoyne, Quebec native has collected 65 points (34 goals, 31 assists) along with 183 penalty minutes in 214 career games in the NHL.  Talbot has registered 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and 43 penalty minutes in 22 career playoff appearances.  Talbot was selected by Pittsburgh in the eighth round (234th overall) of the 2002 Entry Draft.