Pens sign Hockey East Player of the Year Paul Thompson to entry level deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Paul Thompson to a two-year entry level contract, it was announced by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

Thompson, who attended the Penguins development camp in 2010, just completed his fourth season of collegiate hockey with New Hampshire. He was named the 2010-11 Hockey East Player of the Year after posting a league-leading 52 points in his senior campaign.

Thompson (6-foot, 210 pounds) also scored 28 goals this season, which ranked second overall in the Hockey East. He helped the No. 11 Wildcats advance to the NCAA Regional Finals before falling to No. 9 Notre Dame, 2-1, Sunday.

In four seasons with New Hampshire, Thompson compiled 57 goals, 55 assists and 112 points in 140 career games.