Penguins Sign Two

The Penguins signed two players yesterday, one a holdover from last season and the other a newbie.

Bokondji “Boko” Imama agreed to a one-year, two-way deal for $775K. The heavyweight forward and Masterton Award nominee became somewhat of a cult hero following his surprise promotion from the Baby Pens in late January, especially among us black-and-gold fans who’ve lamented our lack of physicality.

Despite extremely limited ice time (5:40 ATOI), Boko made his presence felt both on the ice and in the dressing room, punishing opponents to the tune of 45 hits 16 games. In fact, the aggressive winger topped the NHL in hits/60 for players who skated in at least 10 games.

Needless to say, the powerfully built 6’1” 221-pounder provided some sorely needed muscle while adding bite to the forecheck.

He enjoyed arguably his finest moment during a 6-3 victory over Columbus at PPG Paints Arena on March 21. After holding his own during a first-period fight with reigning NHL heavyweight champ, Mathieu Olivier, Boko scored what proved to be the game-winning tally midway through the second period on a short-side snipe. Dare I say, a goal scorer’s goal.

Perhaps the greatest testament to his value? The Pens were 9-5-2 with Boko in the lineup and 5-9-2 in the games he missed.

FYI: he’ll start the season on IR as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn right bicep.

As for the newbie? Kyle Dubas signed 19-year-old Melvin Fernström to a three-year, entry-level contract. Acquired on January 31 in the trade that sent Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor to the Pacific Northwest, Fernström was the Canucks third-round pick (93^rd overall) in the 2024 Entry Draft.

The skinny on the 6’0” 187-pound right wing?

He possesses a decent shot and a demonstrated ability to play effectively away from the puck. On the downside, he’s regarded as a substandard skater who compensates for his lack of foot speed with smarts and anticipation, often arriving just as the play develops.

Still, Fernström’s an intriguing prospect. Skating for Orebro this past season, the kid overwhelmed the Swedish Junior League to the tune of 11 goals and 18 points in only a dozen games, which earned him a promotion to the big club. Despite playing mostly in the bottom-six, he still managed a very respectable eight goals and 17 points in 48 games. In the process earning SHL Rookie of the Year honors.

He’s also put up strong numbers in international play.

Might old friend Jimmy Rutherford have done us a solid by including Fernström in the deal?

It wouldn’t be the first time JR’s paid generously to get his man (or in this case, men).