McKee signs with Penguins

Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay McKee has signed a one-year deal with the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Blues bought out the remaining year of McKee's four-year, $16 million contract after the 2008-09 season. He was seventh in the NHL with 185 blocked shots last season, when he helped Blues to their first playoff appearance since 2004.

McKee returns to the Eastern Conference, his home for 10 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres before signing with the Blues as a free agent.

"Jay is a strong defensive defenseman who will bring additional experience to our lineup," said Penguins General Manager Ray Shero. "He has great size and is an outstanding shot-blocker, and his veteran presence will help in the continued development of our young defensemen."

McKee had one goal and eight points in 69 games with the Blues last season. The 14th overall pick in the 1995 draft has 20 goals, 115 points and 568 penalty minutes in 740 NHL games.