In this April 7 file photograph, New Jersey's Mike Rupp, right, collides with Toronto's Tomas Kaberle. The Penguins signed checking-line forward Rupp to a $1.6 million, two-year contract Wednesday, adding a physical presence to a team that didn't have an enforcer on the ice during the playoffs.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins signed checking-line forward Mike Rupp to a $1.6 million, two-year contract Wednesday, adding a physical presence to a team that didn't have an enforcer on the ice during the playoffs.

The 29-year-old Rupp essentially plays the same role as forward Eric Godard, who was deactivated for all of the team's playoff games.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Rupp had three goals, six assists and 136 penalty minutes in 72 games for New Jersey last season.

The Penguins lost one of their two top-line defensemen when Hal Gill signed a two-year contract with Montreal. Pittsburgh showed no interest in signing the 34-year-old Gill beyond one season.

Rupp has 27 goals, 26 assists and 412 penalty minutes in 335 games with New Jersey, Phoenix and Columbus.

The team also signed ex-Boston University defenseman Brian Strait to a three-year, entry-level contract. Strait was a third-round draft pick in 2006.