Evaluating the Penguins Defensive Depth

Story by Yinzer Crazy Penguins Contributor Kuljit Parmar

With a couple of moves that helped the defensive growth aspect of the team, this bold Penguins' remake seems to have hit the nail in the coffin for the new team mantra: defense wins.

During this aspect of acquiring defenseman, including Jeff Petry of the Montreal Canadiens and forward Ryan Poehling, they have surely boosted their defensive game to a whole other level, ranking it at an all-star caliber type.

Also, with the addition of defenseman Ty Smith, which is not another bad addition to offload some cap space and take in a depth level player, he should improve under the coaching staff and on-ice with his teammates.

After drafting Defenseman Owen Pickering, it is evident that management wants to build a defensive system that boosts the level of confidence of goaltending and the depth in the forwards section, especially with the added depth of fresh players the team has acquired.

Forward Ryan Poehling gives assurance on the top-six to the bottom six line-up. He is flexible in any area, and can move the puck as well as score goals. His career did not start off well in Montreal, so he is hoping to get a fresh start in a new market that would encourage him to play with heart.

To be more informative on Petry, he is a well-rounded defenseman that can play on the top-two lines. His defensive presence, along with size, makes him durable to compete against, and he protects the puck well when taking charge, just what the penguins needed.

The Kris Letang and Jeff Petry line-up combo will be the one to watch for, especially during special teams and most importantly the playoffs.

Not to forget that the team signed Stanley Cup winner defenseman Jan Rutta, the depth within this defense gives it size and grit, with maximum durability to work on both sides of the ice when playing competitive games. 

With the leadership given the age aspect in nature, including the level of veterans and playoff games experience, this new mindset compliments the forwards game to say the least.

My take is that during the season the team will be looking to add another forward during the trade deadline to go all-in for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, or before the start of the season.

The team had also extended a qualifying offer to Kasperi Kapanen, for which he filed an arbitration for, but that means the team is still building on familiar veteran experience and giving a second chance to Kapanen, who should pick up the pace with his added linemates.

And finally, the biggest signing I would say is the Evgeni Malkin one. I simply could not see Malkin on any other team but the Pens. This was a great deal for both parties.  My guess is that both Letang and Malkin, along with Crosby, are being primed to oversee Management type roles as the trio get older, and before they decide to retire (possibly together.) Move over Ron Hextall, there’s a new sheriff in town.