Pens sign Swedish defenseman

The Penguins added some depth to their defense today, signing defenseman Niclas Andersen to a one-year entry-level deal, the club announced this afternoon.

Andersen, 27, is a former L.A. Kings draft pick who never signed. He was originally a fourth round selection (114 overall) by the Kings in 2006.

Andersen has played his entire professional career in Europe, including this last season when he hit career highs in points for Brynas of the Swedish Hockey League. He has also has played for Team Sweden in the World Junior championships.

Andersen, who is 6-foot-1, and 218 pounds, scored five goals with 17 assists for Brynas this season.

He shoots lefty, and has more than eight seasons of pro experience between the SHL and Russia’s KHL.

Minor league news: 

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins signed forward Carter Rowney to an AHL contract for the 2015-16 season. Rowney, who was promoted from the ECHL early last season, finished the year with 10 goals, 21 assists.