India, Aug. 7 -- The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year, $32 million contract carrying an average annual value of $4 million. The 23-year-old restricted free agent registered seven points in 39 NHL games last season and enjoyed an impressive campaign in the AHL, recording 41 points in 34 regular-season games before adding nine points in 15 playoff appearances to help Wilkes-Barre/Scranton reach the Eastern Conference Final. General manager Kyle Dubas said the deal reflects the organization's belief in Koivunen's long-term potential, describing it as an investment in the player's future rather than simply rewarding past performances.

Originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of...