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3 Defensemen the Penguins Must Trade Immediately This Offseason
Several blueliners for the Penguins may very well be available on the trade market this summer.
The Pittsburgh Penguins had a tough season this year, but it was particular hard for many of the team's defenseman, who proved to be overwhelmed by their opposition at times.
Of course, it probably didn't help that several of them were involved in trade rumors throughout the season.
Perhaps most notably, Erik Karlsson was rumored to be on his way out at the deadline, but that clearly never came.
He is not the only defenseman who could be on his way out as Penguins reporter Josh Yohe notes.
In his latest article grading the Penguins players for the season, Yohe was not easy on the team's blueline.
He was particularly hard on Ryan Graves, and rightfully so. Graves had one goal, 4 points, and a -15 rating in 61 games this season.
"I would suggest he showed marginal improvement at times this season. That doesn't mean the Penguins should play him next season if they're serious about winning. He's just not good. It's the worst free-agent signing in Penguins history."
Yohe was also rather harsh on 25-year-old Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who had just a single assist in 24 games with the team this year after being acquired in a trade from St. Louis.
He specifically highlighted his lack of physicality as a weakness, despite his 6'2" frame.
"He's just not physical enough to be a regular NHL defenseman. I'd be surprised if he's back in Pittsburgh next season."
Finally, he touched on rookie blueliner Jack St. Ivany, who appeared in 19 games for the team at the end of the season.
"Majorly disappointing season for St. Ivany, who was so good down the stretch last April."
St. Ivany has just 33 games of NHL experience and will likely get another look next season, but time is running out for the 25-year-old to prove that he can be a regular player at the NHL level.
Either way, his season is not over as he will be joining their Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for their playoff run.
Will Kyle Dubas move on from any of these blueliners this season? Be sure to stay tuned to find out.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 20 | 180 ANSWERS 3 Defensemen the Penguins Must Trade Immediately This Offseason Do you think the Pittsburgh Penguins will make the playoffs next season? | ||
| Yes | 116 | 64.4 % |
| No | 47 | 26.1 % |
| Unsure | 17 | 9.4 % |
| List of polls | ||