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Dan Muse reveals why Penguins defenseman was placed on waivers
Penguins coach Dan Muse addressed why the team placed Ryan Graves on waivers yesterday and revealed that sometimes tough decisions need to be made.
The Pittsburgh Penguins made a roster move following their trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
General manager Kyle Dubas acquired 24-year-old forward Yegor Chinakov in exchange for forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.
With the Penguins' forward group now crowded, a corresponding roster adjustment was expected.
The defenseman that the Penguins decided to place on waivers
Defenseman Ryan Graves had been placed on waivers and is set to be reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Given his sizable contract, it's unlikely another team will claim him.
Graves had been a healthy scratch in recent games, limiting his opportunities to contribute, and this move allows him to get more playing time in the AHL rather than sitting in Pittsburgh.
Graves' tenure with the Penguins has largely been unremarkable. Since joining as a free agent, he has been shuffled between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre multiple times and has seen limited impact when on the ice.
With Chinakov joining the roster, a decision was needed on who would make way. Many expected young forward Ville Koivunen to be sent down, but for now, he retains his spot.
Why Ryan Graves was placed on waivers
Penguins head coach Dan Muse addressed the decision to place Graves on waivers, noting that sometimes tough choices are necessary to balance the roster and maximize team performance.
"I think when you have a new player coming in, a move has to be made there, just in terms of the roster. So, with Gravy, obviously, those are tough decisions that are made. There were some good things he was doing when he was back up. Obviously, it's been a tough situation for him, but one that I think he has handled extremely well. Just the work he put in to get himself back, and decisions need to be made, too. Sometimes it has to do with how other guys are playing as well, other guys that were staying in. So, obviously, tough decisions."
- Dan Muse
- Dan Muse
It's a reminder that NHL management often involves difficult moves that aren't always popular but are aimed at strengthening the team long-term.
Chinakov's placement in the lineup remains to be determined, but his addition gives Dubas more depth up front while Graves heads to Wilkes-Barre to get consistent minutes and continue his development.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30 | 198 ANSWERS Dan Muse reveals why Penguins defenseman was placed on waivers Was placing Ryan Graves on waivers the right move? | ||
| Yes | 174 | 87.9 % |
| No | 24 | 12.1 % |
| List of polls | ||