Jul 10th, 2009 | 11:50 am |

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Penguins and free-agent defenseman Jay McKee are close to a one-year contract.

McKee was drafted in the first round, 14th overall, of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres.

McKee played in 582 regular season games with the Sabres, amassing 98 points and 470 penalty minutes.

On July 1, 2006, McKee signed with the St. Louis Blues for a four-year, $16 million contract.[1] His first season with the Blues, in 2006-07, was cut short due to various injuries including a knee injury, a broken finger, and two lower body injuries.

In 2008-09 McKee played in 69 games for the St. Louis Blues.