The Penguins yesterday re-signed forward Connor James to a one-year, entry-level contract and signed hulking defenseman Joey Mormina.

James, 26, played in 13 games with the Penguins last season during six promotions from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In 64 games with the American Hockey League affiliate, he had nine goals, 28 assists. He also had 13 points, including two game-winning goals, in the AHL Calder Cup playoffs.

Mormina, 26, is 6 feet 6, 220 pounds. He spent most of last season with Albany of the AHL, collecting four goals, nine assists and 96 penalty minutes in 77 games. He was recalled by Carolina Feb. 14 and, in his NHL debut, had four hits playing against the Penguins.

First Published: July 11, 2008, 4:00 a.m.