Penguins' Ryan Shea Teases Surprising New Side to His Game This Season
Photo credit: DK Pittsburgh Sports
Two years ago, Ryan Shea was just trying to crack the NHL, and now he's a starter for the Penguins and teases that he will be exciting to watch this season.
There were a number of significant firsts in the Pittsburgh Penguins' 3-0 season-opening victory against the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
It was Dan Muse's first game as head coach, and teenagers Harrison Brunicke and Ben Kindel played in their first NHL games.
Goaltender Arturs Silovs recorded his first career shutout with 25 saves, and forward Justin Brazeau netted his first and second goals as a Penguin.
For defenseman Ryan Shea, the evening was of a different sort of significance. The 28-year-old played in an opener for the first time in his pro career, as a starter, no less.
A 2015 fourth-round selection of the Chicago Blackhawks, Shea took the long way to get here. Following four years at Northeastern University, he signed with Dallas in 2020 but spent three years in the AHL before coming to Pittsburgh in 2023.
Ryan Shea Has Played 70 Games With the Penguins But Spread Out Over 2 Seasons
Shea finally broke into the NHL last season, playing 70 games across two seasons while stepping in when injuries hit.
This season, however, he came into camp resolved to be more than depth, and through two games, he's carved out a regular spot next to All-Star Kris Letang on the Penguins' second pair. Shea even teased that fans will see a different side of him.
"It definitely gives you motivation," Shea said. "You've got to prove yourself. You're on a 'prove-it' type of year. But I've been proving myself for the last three years. I have no problem with that. If I have to prove more, I have to prove more. But I think we'll see this year, a different side of me, even more. I'm excited for everyone to see it.
"I kind of just have a whole new mindset that I belong and I belong in a bigger role."
- Ryan Shea
"I kind of just have a whole new mindset that I belong and I belong in a bigger role."
- Ryan Shea
A left-handed defender who is also able to play the right side, Shea has seen heavy usage in penalty-kill situations and is presently topping the team in short-handed minutes.
Even with the extensive turnover on Pittsburgh's blue line this summer, he's one of the limited returning left-shot defensemen to retain their spot.
Shea's offseason training, and the mental comfort of his one-year, $900,000 contract extension, are already paying dividends. After years of grinding, he's finally settling into a regular spot on the Penguins' blue line.
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