PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed free agent defenseman Steve Poapst, it was announced today by General Manager Craig Patrick.  In accordance with club policy, terms of the contract were not released.

Poapst, 36, has played in 245 NHL games with the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, recording 31 points (8+23) and 126 penalty minutes.

Poapst established career-highs in goals (2), assists (11) and points (13) in 75 games during the 2002-03 season with the Blackhawks and also posted a career-high plus-14 rating.

In 2003-04 with Chicago, Poapst recorded four points (2+2) and 26 penalty minutes in 53 games.

“Steve is a strong defenseman that will be able to match-up against other teams’ top forwards on a nightly basis,” Patrick said.  “Steve is also an excellent penalty killer and will be a welcome addition to our blueline.”

The 6-0 and 199-pound native of Cornwall, Ontario first appeared in the NHL with Washington in 1995-96 after signing with the Capitals as a free agent on February 4, 1995.  He appeared in 25 career games with Washington, scoring one goal and adding eight penalty minutes.

Poapst signed as a free agent with Chicago on July 27, 2000.  In four seasons with the Blackhawks, Poapst recorded 30 points (7+23) and 118 penalty minutes in 220 games.