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As the Pittsburgh Penguins continue their preseason, defenseman Ryan Graves stands out as one of only six players to participate in both games so far. Unlike the others—forward Cody Glass, Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, defenseman Ryan Shea, and goaltender Joel Blomqvist—Graves is the only one among them with substantial NHL experience.
Graves, who is one of the highest-paid players on the team with a contract worth $4.5 million per season for six years, has received a notable amount of ice time early in the preseason, which is somewhat surprising given his circumstances. The team’s decision to give him significant playing time is not arbitrary; it reflects a need for Graves to regain his footing after a challenging last season.
During the 2023-24 season, Graves faced considerable difficulties, culminating in a concussion that cut his year short in late March. He started the season on the first defensive pairing but was eventually relegated to the third pairing, indicating struggles in his performance. Recognizing this, the coaching staff is making a concerted effort to ensure he begins the new season on a strong note.
Head coach Mike Sullivan explained this approach after a morning skate in Cranberry, emphasizing the importance of getting Graves into game action quickly. Sullivan noted, “We’re hopeful that he can build on the offseason that he had. He came into camp in great shape. We’re just trying to get him every opportunity to get off on the right foot.” This strategy underscores the team’s belief in Graves’ potential to improve.
Sullivan articulated what an ideal performance from Graves would look like: “When he’s ending plays in our end… using his size and his reach to end plays.” He further elaborated that when Graves makes effective outlet passes and maintains strong defensive positioning, he can disrupt opposing offenses. His wingspan allows him to mitigate rushes and contribute to the team’s defensive strength, especially in the early stages of plays.
On another note, the Penguins are set to face off against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at the Sudbury Community Arena in Ontario, an event tied to the NHL’s Hockeyville initiative. This program supports the enhancement of local community rinks, and the game in Sudbury will aid the Elliot Lake Centennial Arena, located about two hours away.
Sullivan expressed his appreciation for the significance of this event, noting, “Our guys are excited to go there. I know what it means to the community of Sudbury.” He emphasized the importance of the Penguins’ presence in small towns, particularly highlighting how much it means for local fans to see NHL players, especially stars like Sidney Crosby. Sullivan remarked on the shared responsibility of supporting the game and its fans, stating, “These people are diehard hockey fans… It’s certainly a responsibility that we take seriously. I know it’s going to be a great experience.”