Penguins Ink Ruhwedel to Extension

The Penguins signed veteran defenseman Chad Ruhwedel to a one-year contract extension for the 2021-22 season at a cap hit of $750,000. His current contract, which runs through the upcoming season, carries a charge of $700,000.

“Chad is a reliable, depth defenseman who is a great teammate,” said GM Jim Rutherford. “He keeps himself in great shape and is always game-ready, which is important for a player in his role and the success of our team.”

Originally signed by the Pens back in 2016, the 30-year-old San Diego native has been an effective performer for the black and gold. In 137 games spread over four seasons, he’s tallied seven goals and 23 points to go with a Corsi for of 50.6.

Ruhwedel’s primary strength is his ability to sit for long stretches, then come in and play at or near the top of his game. Which makes him ideally suited for the role of seventh defenseman. Although not a standout in any particular area, he possesses decent hockey sense and puck skills and can skate and move the puck.

Despite a smallish frame (5’11” 191), he’s surprisingly physical (74 hits in 41 games this season) and will jolt opposing forwards with an occasional hip check. And he’s a coveted right-hand shot.

Thrust into service due to injuries, Ruhwedel teamed with Juuso Riikola during the past season to form a decent tandem while receiving sheltered minutes. The Pens logged a respectable 20-9-4 record in the 33 games they were paired.

With free agent Justin Schultz sure to depart, right-side prospects Josh Maniscalco and Will Reilly at least a year or two away and ownership seeking to trim payroll, is there an outside chance Ruhwedel will be asked to man a top-six slot for the coming season?

I’d say yes.

Will Chad be up to the task? That’s a tough one. Especially if he’s deployed next to franchise lightning rod Jack Johnson, who endured a difficult second half (minus-15 in his last 37 games including the postseason).

A Passing Thought

Perhaps I should title this section “Things That Go Clank.” As in pucks thudding off stick blades.

This is entirely my perception and I could be all wet. But it seems to me that our Pens, skilled as they are, aren’t an especially good passing team.

Not that I’m bemoaning the trade of Phil Kessel. It was his time to go. But “the Thrill” was an outstanding passer and playmaker.

My sense is that Dominik Kahun was, too. He just seemed very crisp and sure with the puck. While we’re at it, the player he was acquired for, Olli Maatta, was a very accurate passer.

Maybe it was the way Montreal shut us down in the postseason and denied us access to the prime scoring areas. Too, the Scotiabank Arena ice was far from pristine. But it seemed to me we morphed into a collection of chip-and-chase muckers who couldn’t string two passes together.

Anyone else have the same perception?