Veteran Gonchar signs tryout contract with Penguins
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Montreal Canadiens defensemen Sergei Gonchar (55) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the Consol Energy Center. Canadiens defeated the Penguins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in giving a familiar face another chance to make the team.
Sergei Gonchar signed a professional tryout with Pittsburgh on Friday, with the 41-year-old defenseman expected to join the team for its training camp in September. Gonchar played with the Penguins from 2005-10, helping the club reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2008 before winning the trophy the following season.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Russian scored 54 goals and set up 205 others in 322 games with the Penguins. Gonchar played in three contests with the Dallas Stars last season before recording one tally and 12 assists in 45 games with the Montreal Canadiens.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 14th overall pick of the 1992 draft, Gonchar has collected 220 goals and 591 assists in 1,301 career contests with the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Stars, Canadiens and Penguins.
(h/t Pittsburgh Penguins)