Rupp leaves Devils to add physical presence to Penguins

Penguins, often without enforcer, add Rupp

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed checking-line forward Mike Rupp to a $1.6 million, two-year contract, adding a physical presence to a team that didn’t have an enforcer on the ice during the playoffs.

Rupp, 29, essentially plays the same role as forward Eric Godard, who was deactivated for all of the Stanley Cup champions’ playoff games. The Penguins made no major signings Wednesday on the first day of NHL free agency.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Rupp will make $825,000 each season. He had three goals, six assists and 136 penalty minutes in 72 games for the New Jersey Devils last season.

The Penguins also signed former Boston University defenseman Brian Strait to a three-year, entry-level contract.