The Pittsburgh Penguins are making a bold move, and it's one that has fans and experts talking. Is this the end of the road for Ryan Graves in Pittsburgh?
The Penguins, after acquiring Yegor Chinakhov, are making room on their roster by placing defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers. This decision, reported by Seth Rorabaugh, is a strategic move to manage their lineup, but it's not without controversy.
Here's the backstory: Graves, a 30-year-old blueliner, has had a challenging season. He was waived during training camp but went unclaimed, starting the season with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. However, he quickly earned a recall in November, joining the Penguins for 17 games. But here's where it gets tricky: despite his limited ice time, averaging just 15 minutes per game, the team expected more from Graves, especially considering his $4.5MM per season contract, which runs until 2029.
And this is the part most people miss: Graves' journey this season has been a rollercoaster. He started strong in the AHL, with 7 points in 10 games, but his impact at the NHL level has been minimal. With only one goal and 31 blocked shots in 17 games, the Penguins are likely looking for more bang for their buck.
So, what's next for Graves? It's almost certain he'll clear waivers again, returning to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he'll join another high-priced defenseman, Mathew Dumba. But his NHL journey might not be over. If the Penguins move any of their pending UFA defensemen, like Connor Clifton, Brett Kulak, or Ryan Shea, Graves could find himself back in Pittsburgh sooner than expected.
This move raises questions about player value and contract management. Is Graves' contract a burden for the Penguins? Will he get another shot at the NHL level? Share your thoughts in the comments below. The hockey world is buzzing, and we want to hear from you!
