Lee signs two-year, entry-level contract with Penguins

The 23-year-old defenseman, who was a free agent, had 85 points (18 goals, 67 assists) in 137 games in four seasons at Western Michigan University, where he led the position in points the past two seasons.

"Cam is a good-skating, offensive-minded defenseman that fits the current style of play in today's NHL," Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. "This signing adds more young depth at defense for us. We're excited to have Cam as a member of the Penguins organization."

This season, Lee led National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) defensemen with 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) in 26 games. 

Prior to playing at Western Michigan, Lee had 54 points (12 goals, 42 assists) in 113 games over two seasons with Lincoln and Green Bay of the United States Hockey League.

Lee grew up in Ferguson's Cove, Nova Scotia, about a 30-minute drive from Penguins center Sidney Crosby's home town of Cole Harbour. And now, the two could become future teammates.

"Yeah, I mean, he's a hometown hero," Lee said Friday. "I grew up skating with him in the summers. I remember the first time, I was probably in high school, and just an awesome guy. He did reach out to me after seeing that I signed with the Penguins. He just said congratulations and said, 'Make sure you stay safe with all that's going on [regarding the coronavirus pandemic].'"

Lee is the nephew of Jean-Sebastien Giguere, a goalie who played 16 NHL seasons and won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.

"I never got to see him play," Lee said. "Probably the best part, the year he won the Conn Smythe [Trophy] was the year he married my mother's stepsister. So he brought the Conn Smythe to the wedding. That was one of the best moments I had with him."

NHL.com Independent Correspondent Wes Crosby contributed to this report