Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
One Critical Position Kyle Dubas Must Address for Penguins to Succeed
If the Pittsburgh Penguins want to be successful next season, to avoid once again missing the playoffs, Kyle Dubas will need to fix the left side of the blue line.
Kyle Dubas and many Pittsburgh fans are certainly right to be concerned about the Penguins' left side of the defense down the road.
Erik Karlsson and Kristopher Letang do carry big contracts, and sure, their bodies of work offer some confidence here and there on the right side, but they are both aging and need some help on the left.
That left side, though, is a different situation, especially after Marcus Pettersson's departure. It is a liability that requires urgent attention.
Matt Grzelcyk has contributed on the power play, but otherwise has been disappointing. Ryan Graves hasn't met expectations, even though the team kept a close eye on his minutes, per NHL insider Josh Yohe.
"Dubas is concerned about the left side of the defense moving forward. The left side of the blue line, especially in the wake of Marcus Pettersson's departure, is a real mess. Matt Grzelcyk has helped the power play this season but otherwise hasn't been impressive. Graves continues to be a profound disappointment."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
Vladislav Kolyachonok, an Arizona waiver claim, has shown some promise but hasn't found a role. And Pierre-Olivier Joseph isn't returning.
The Penguins only have one consistent left-sided defenseman for next season
As things currently stand, Ryan Shea might be the only left-handed defenseman on the current roster up for grabs in the lineup come next season.
The Penguins appreciate his consistent, calming play, and if Dubas has a trade to execute this offseason, the left side is the most glaring place to start, per Yohe.
"If you're looking for Dubas to make a splash on the trade market or in the free agency market, left-handed defensemen are a good place to start."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
To the right, there is more stability. Either Karlsson or Letang will be back, even if a contract is rearranged.
Harrison Brunicke is nearly NHL-ready, and Conor Timmins, a restricted free agent, has inserted himself into the mix. Finn Harding, another righty with upside, is two years away.
Bottom line is the Penguins' right side has options, but the left side, though, needs to be rebuilt from scratch if the Penguins want to avoid missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 17 | 192 ANSWERS One Critical Position Kyle Dubas Must Address for Penguins to Succeed Do the Penguins desperately need better left-sided defensemen? | ||
| Yes | 178 | 92.7 % |
| No | 14 | 7.3 % |
| List of polls | ||