Kostopoulos will hang up his skates following the conclusion of the 2017-18 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Kostopoulos' value to the Penguins organization extends behind his contributions on the ice -- 17 points in 26 games this season -- as he serves as the veteran leader in a locker room full of fresh-faced kids who probably have never shaved. While he hasn't played in the NHL since 2012-13 when he was with the Devils, the 39-year-old racked up 61 goals, 96 assists and 723 PIM in 630 NHL contests. Don't be surprised to see Kostopoulos switch roles and rejoin the team as a coach in the near future.

Kostopoulos has notched one goal and two helpers through the first seven games of the 2017-18 AHL season.

EDGE Analysis

Kostopoulos has become a mainstay of the Baby Pens as an on-ice extension of the coaching staff. The 38-year-old -- who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the 1999 NHL Draft -- spent parts of eight NHL seasons with other clubs, before returning to the Pens in 2013. Despite earning 50-plus points in each of the last two years, the winger remains on a minor-league only contract, which means he is not eligible to be called up by the team. Given the loyalty shown by owner Mario Lemieux, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Kostopoulos join the organization's coaching ranks or front office once he decides to hang up his skates.

Tom Kostopoulos has signed an AHL deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. This will be his third stint with Pittsburgh's minor-league affiliate. Kostopoulos is the organization's all-time leader in games played (335), goals (100), assists (153) and points (253). New Jersey claimed him off waivers in March after he signed a two-way deal with Pittsburgh. Now he's back in a familiar situation again.

New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello would like to retain the services of potential UFA Tom Kostopoulos. "He was as good a pro as we've had in our organization both on and off the ice," Lamoriello said. Kostopoulos was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh in March and he skated in 15 games with New Jersey.

New Jersey Devils coach Pete DeBoer says he held Tom Kostopoulos out of the lineup Thursday just to be safe. Kostoplous admitted he was knocked unconscious during a fight with Matt Martin of the Islanders on Monday. The Devils dressed seven defensemen instead of Kostopoulos.

Tom Kostopoulos is fine to play after getting knocked out in a fight with Matt Martin of the New York Islanders this past Monday. However, it is unclear if he will dress against Boston Thursday night. Whether he plays or not, his presence in the lineup won't impact your fantasy plans.

Tom Kostopoulos was injured in his fight with Islanders forward Matt Martin on Monday night. He was decked by a right hand to the chin at the 11:22 mark of the first period. Kostopoulos had to be helped off the ice, but coach Pete DeBoer said after the contest that the New Jersey winger was "going to be all right." However, it's unclear if that means he'll be ready for Thursday's game against Boston.

Tom Kostopoulous made his Devils debut Thursday night. He skated on a line with Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta, playing 10:33. "It felt pretty good. All the guys talked to me and the coaches walked me through the system," Kostopoulos said. "Their goalie had a helluva game, but the guys kept getting pucks at him. The team didn't give up when we got down."

Tom Kostopoulos will make his Devils' debut on Thursday. The Devils claimed Kostopoulos off of waivers on Wednesday. He had four goals and 12 points in 81 games with the Calgary Flames last season.

The New Jersey Devils have claimed Tom Kostopoulos off waivers from Pittsburgh. The Penguins signed Kostopoulos to a two-way NHL contract on Tuesday after he played in 17 games with their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He had to pass through waivers to return to the minors, but now it looks like he'll join the Devils instead.