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Entering the summer as a restricted free agent, Bobby Farnham fully expected to be back with the Pittsburgh organization.
When that finally became a reality on Monday, Farnham said he was still relieved to have a new contract under his belt.
Farnham, 26, signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh that’s worth $575,000 at the NHL level.
Now, last year’s fan favorite at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is ready to pick up where he left off.
“Every time you sign a new contract and get to play hockey for another year it feels good,” Farnham said. “It’s nice to finally get it done and focus on getting ready for training camp.”
Farnham will be entering his fourth pro season and he spent most of the last three years with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He made his NHL debut last season with Pittsburgh and appeared in 11 games. Farnham has played more than 62 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in each of the last three seasons, including a 2014-15 campaign in which he tied career highs in goals (7), assists (7) and points (14). He has also posted 672 penalty minutes in his AHL career, and fans can expect more of the high-pace, physical style that has become his trademark.
Pittsburgh can expect it as well.
“Toughness and grit are within me. I think you’ll see a lot of what you saw last year in terms of agitating,” Farnham said. “After three years, I think I’ve gotten my game more well-rounded offensively and defensively as well and that’s something I’ll continue to work on whether it’s with Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.”
Last year at training camp, Farnham earned an extended stay with Pittsburgh. With the departure of Steve Downie via free agency, the NHL club is lacking a bit in the toughness department and Farnham hopes that improves his chances at making Pittsburgh’s roster out of training camp this year.
“I’m hoping this is year. I just go in to camp trying to make a good impression every year,” he said. “I’ve shown I can play a rugged, fast style. If you’re looking for toughness, if you’re looking for grit, that’s what I bring.”
NOTES
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton signed defenseman Clark Seymour to an AHL contract on Monday. Seymour, 22 was originally a fifth-round pick (143rd overall) of the Penguins in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 12 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season and 54 with Wheeling where he posted 14 assists and 72 penalty minutes.