Penguins' Nikolai Knyzhov: Inks PTO

Knyzhov will join the Penguins on a professional tryout, the team announced Thursday.

Knyzhov was bought out of his contract by the Sharks in June with a year remaining on that deal. Over the course of the last two seasons, the 26-year-old blueliner saw action in just 22 NHL contests, registering one goal, one assist and 16 shots to go with 24 hits and 33 blocks. At this point, Knyzhov likely faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the Penguins' lineup and figures to have to edge out the likes of Sebastian Aho, Ryan Shea and youngster Owen Pickering.