The Phoenix Coyotes may still be playing for the Stanley Cup this season, but that hasn’t stopped them from working on the Portland Pirates for next season.

The Coyotes signed defenseman Mark Louis to a one-year contract on Monday.

Louis joined the Pirates on a professional tryout contract on Feb. 27 and made an immediate impact, providing size, toughness and stability to a blueline, which was in need of all three components.

The 6-4, 225 pound, defenseman was rewarded with an AHL contract just prior to the AHL Clear Day Roster freeze on Mar. 5.

“He’s a big body who plays a hard-edged game,” said Coyotes’ Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving. “He moves very well for a guy his size and we think he is still raw and that there is upside to his game. A big, physical guy who can skate are real appealing qualities.”

Louis joined the Pirates for the final 23 games of the season, recording four assists and 72 penalty minutes after playing for Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

His play over those final games was rewarded as he was one of 10 players brought up to the Coyotes after the conclusion of the Pirates’ regular season.

“He is a driven and hard working kid that fits us well,” said Treliving. “He gives us a different element which complements the puck moving defensemen we have in our system.”

Prior to playing for Saint Francis Xavier, Louis, a native of Ponoka, Alberta, played for the Brandon Wheat Kings and Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, recording 50 points (10g, 40a) and 379 penalty minutes in 303 games.