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Is Jordan Leopold going to solve all Penguins defense problems? Probably not, he is no Hal Gill or Rob Scuderi but he can certainly add depth. He doesn’t have the huge size and isn’t known for his shot blocking abilities. Leopold, 29, was one of Florida’s top defensemen. He was the team’s top penalty killing blueliner, while also logging 22:25 minutes of ice time per game – second most on the team. Leopold has also seen action for the Panthers in a shutdown role against opposing teams’ top players.

Here is what Dan Bylsma and Ray Shero think of Jordan:

“Jordan Leopold played against Alex Ovechkin every shift last time Florida played Washington,” head coach Dan Bylsma noted. “When his coaches decided who plays against the other team’s top line, it was Jordan. That may not be the case for us. … I think we’re getting a guy that will help us defend against the other teams’ good players. He’s proven that and has been counted on to be that for his team this year.”

“This is a guy that’s played against good players, whether it’s Ovechkin or other guys,” Shero said. “That’s what he’s done. When you’re playing 22 minutes a game, as he was in Florida, you’re going to get those assignments. They’ve got a few other guys that did that. Leopold was one of the guys.

“He’s one of their top penalty killers. He wasn’t playing as much on the power play but he still has seven goals. He’s a guy that can skate, move the puck; he’s got good NHL experience. I think for our group transitionally and not spending as much time in our end, I think that will be an important addition.”

Here are some of his stats:

Height: 6′ 1″
Weight: 200
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Aug 3, 1980 (Age 29)
Birthplace: Golden Valley, Mn, United States

Last year during regular season he played 83 games and registered 65 hits and 100 blocked shots. Compare that to this year where in 61 games Leo already registered 59 hits and 107 blocked shots. Some career highs: