Recchi can't stay away
PITTSBURGH — Free agent Mark Recchi will return to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the third time in his career — the second time in two years he has been signed to add veteran leadership to a young team.
Recchi played 63 games for the Penguins last season, scoring 24 goals and 33 assists, before he was traded to the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. He became a free agent when the Hurricanes opted not to pick up a one-year option on his contract for $2.28 million.
Before the Carolina trade, there were reports that Recchi did not get along with some younger players, notably star rookie Sidney Crosby. But Recchi said he will blend in well with Crosby and Colby Armstrong.
"We've talked and I have seen the young guys and there are no problems at all. They are all great kids," Recchi said at a news conference Tuesday. "I don't think there were any issues. I am trying to help these young guys out and help them get through things. They know I am here to help them."
Recchi, 38, who still lives near Pittsburgh in the offseason, was drafted by the Penguins in 1988 and played on Pittsburgh's first Stanley Cup-winning team during the 1990-91 season before he was traded to Philadelphia. After 13 seasons with the Flyers and the Montreal Canadiens, the Penguins signed Recchi as a free agent before the 2004-05 season, which was wiped out by a player lockout.
"Two years ago, I made the decision to come back and help. That's what keeps bringing me back," he said.
Although the Penguins signed other veterans, notably defenseman Sergei Gonchar and John LeClair, the team finished with a franchise-worst 60 losses in 82 games, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
A Pittsburgh newspaper first reported that the Penguins re-signed Recchi for one year at the option price.
A team spokesman would not confirm those terms and said contract details might be clarified by the team later. Recchi's agent, Rick Curran, did not immediately return a call for comment.
Recchi signed a one-year deal, but said he would like to keep playing after next season.
"I see all the young players that we have. There are so many nice pieces. I want to help them out and help them get to the next level and be part of it," Recchi said. "I want to try to play a couple more years. Hopefully, I can play well enough I can get the opportunity to maybe come back and play another year after this."
Recchi had 4 goals and 3 assists in 20 regular-season games with the Hurricanes and 7 goals and 9 assists in 25 playoff games.
