Parker Wotherspoon discusses his career resurgence playing alongside Erik Karlsson
Photo credit: Yardbarker
In a new interview, breakout defenseman Parker Wotherspoon spoke about his career revitalization playing with Erik Karlsson.
Coming into the 2025-26 season the Penguins were not expected to be a contender but so far this season they have drastically outperformed expectations.
A major factor for the Penguins' success has been the bounce back season from Erik Karlsson who is thriving under new head coach Dan Muse.
Along with Karlsson's success has come the incredible complimentary play of Parker Wotherspoon who is Karlsson's defensive partner.
Coming into the season, Wotherspoon's spot in the lineup was not even guaranteed and now he is one point away from eclipsing his career high.
Wotherspoon and Karlsson spoke about their surprising chemistry in a new interview recently.
Erik Karlsson and Parker Wotherspoon discussed unexpected partnership
Wotherspoon began his remarks by crediting new head coach Dan Muse for giving him confidence and forcing the 28-year-old to play with more offensive urgency and flair than he has in his other NHL stints.
Going out there with that top line and obviously (with Karlsson), I've got to be a little bit better with the puck in the (offensive) zone,» Wotherspoon said. «I think I had a little bit of a rough start, but I'm getting better and growing more. In the (offensive) zone, those guys can make plays. So, I've just got to get them the puck and move around a little bit more.
Wotherspoon then gave further credit to Muse for giving him opportunities in key situations even after he struggled to begin the season.
I really wanted to compete and show what I could do. I wasn't expecting to start with (Karlsson), for sure. To be completely honest, I had a tough start, and I thought I'd start a little bit lower (in the depth chart). They showed quite a bit of interest in me in the offseason.
Wotherspoon then admitted that even though he has taken a step offensively he still prefers to be the defensive compliment to Karlsson holding things down and creating space for the Norris Trophy winner to do his thing.
Karlsson sees the game way differently than I'm going to see it,» Wotherspoon said. «But for the most part, it's a little good yin-yang, I think. I want him to get out there and be offensive, and I'm on the defensive side.
Before coming to the Penguins, Wotherspoon was a journeyman defenseman mostly playing in the AHL with cups of coffee in the NHL after being drafted in the 4th round of the NHL Draft by the New York Islanders.
Despite not being given significant NHL opportunities Wotherspoon stuck with it and never gave up his aspirations of being an everyday NHL defenseman.
Now, the duo of Wotherspoon and Karlsson is carrying the Pittsburgh Penguins defensive unit and become a major reason why they are in a Stanley Cup Playoff spot.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see if Karlsson and Wotherspoon can continue to defy the odds and be one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL this season.
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