The Penguins have decided to keep defenseman Dick Tarnstrom, who was awarded a $1.6 million, one-year contract by an arbitrator Saturday.

The team had to decide by today whether to accept the arbitrator's decision or "walk away" from it, which would have made Tarnstrom an unrestricted free agent. The Penguins still have the option of trading Tarnstrom, if they determine is role is not commensurate with his salary.

Tarnstrom, 30, was the Penguins' leading scorer during the 2003-04 season, when he recorded 52 points. That placed him sixth among NHL defensemen.

If the Penguins hold onto Tarnstrom, they could enter the 2005-06 season with four defensemen noted for their offensive ability. The others are Sergei Gonchar, Ric Jackman and Ryan Whitney; of those, only Jackman has played for the Penguins in the past.