Penguins AHL Head Coach Praises Polarizing Defenseman Ryan Graves For His Recent Play
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Penguins forward Ryan Graves, who was waived and sent to the American Hockey League, was highlighted for praise by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins coach Kirk MacDonald for his recent play.
One of the last moves that the Pittsburgh Penguins made before the season was waiving defenseman Ryan Graves and then sending him to the AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after nobody claimed him.
He's spent the last two years in a Penguins sweater after they signed him to a six year contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $4.5 million. But he's had to start this year playing in the AHL.
Things could soon be turning around for him, as he was singled out for praise for his recent play by coach Kirk MacDonald, who also singled out the positive effect he's had on his teammate.s
I think for him too just, like, he's had to kind of eat a lot of you know what in the last little bit, and I think just getting back to having some fun in the game and some joy in the game. It's his effort level in practices, his habits, the way he prepares himself. He's (been a) great example for guys.
Graves has seven points (1G, 6A) in 10 games in the AHL so far this year. If he can keep up his positive play, his chances of getting called back up to the NHL will go up.
Ryan Graves Admits The Last Few Years Have Been Stressful For Him
Graves admitted that the last few years have been a challenge for him, especially after being sent to the AHL.
The last few years have been stressful, to be hones. You want to perform. Like, they're paying you to do that. You feel like you're letting people down. And you let yourself down, too.
Like, you have an expectation for yourself. You've played at a certain level for years, at the NHL level, and you just expect to continue to do that, and continue to try to improve. It hasn't been from a lack of effort. - Ryan Graves
Like, you have an expectation for yourself. You've played at a certain level for years, at the NHL level, and you just expect to continue to do that, and continue to try to improve. It hasn't been from a lack of effort. - Ryan Graves
Graves was taken with the 110th overall pick by the New York Rangers in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He's also spent time with the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils.
He has 118 points (32G, 86A) in 433 career NHL games.
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