Pittsburgh, PA -- (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Penguins signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a six-year contract Wednesday.

"Brooks has become a mainstay of our blue line and played an important role in our run to the Stanley Cup Final," said Pens general manager Ray Shero. "He provides the kind of physical presence you need on a Cup contender, and his work ethic, preparation and determination are second to none."

Orpik picked up one goal and 11 assists in 78 games for the Eastern Conference playoff champions a year ago. He led the league in hits (102) and blocked shots (61) during the postseason.

The 27-year-old Boston College product has built his reputation on punishing, sometimes borderline hits, such as the one which broke the neck of former Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole in 2006.

In 297 games over five seasons with the Penguins, the first-round choice from the 2000 draft has collected four goals and 36 points and 392 penalty minutes.