Penguins Update: So What About our Defense?

We all know the most pressing needs facing new Penguins exec Kyle Dubas are the bottom six and goaltending. Unless it’s goaltending and the bottom six.

But what about the defense?

Assuming UFA Brian Dumoulin (and his $4.1 million cap hit) move on, here’s a cursory look at our blue line corps if no other changes are made.

Yikes. The group as a whole doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.

On left side, Marcus Pettersson’s a solid second-pairing defenseman. But a top-pairing guy? Pierre-Olivier Joseph and Ty Smith can both skate and move the puck, but they’re weak, weak, weak in the battle areas and bring virtually zippo physicality and defensive acumen.

The right side is capable but aging. Due to injuries and misfortune, not to mention the pains associated with Jeff Petry and Jan Rutta adapting to new environs, the group as a whole didn’t add up to the sum of its parts last season.

It’s been suggested on other sites that Dubas try to deal either Petry or Rutta. Of the two, the latter would likely be easier to peddle due to his affordable cap hit, age and lack of restrictive clauses. It was then suggested the Pens fill the gap with Chad Ruhwedel.

Uh…thanks, but no thanks.

To digress, Ruhwedel did an admirable job filling a third-pairing slot in 2021-22. But last season he returned to his traditional seventh defenseman role and his play fell off sharply. In 47 games he was on the ice for 21 goals for 5v5 and 26 against, for a goals for percentage of 44.68. His expected goals for percentage…54.06.

I have another reason for nixing a Ruhwedel promotion. To my eye, our mix is stale. Chad’s been here for seven seasons and counting. Familiarity, as they say, breeds contempt. Time for some new blood, not the same old, same old.

Mark Friedman’s younger, faster, feistier and more versatile. He’s my No. 7 d-man.

Okay, back to my original thought. An upgrade (or two) are definitely needed on defense.

So who might Dubas get? Here are some potential targets among the crop of UFAs-to-be.

Among right-handed shots, Toronto’s Justin Holl could be on our radar for obvious reasons. The Minnesota native’s been a solid, affordable ($2 million AAV) presence on the Maple Leafs’ blue line for the past several seasons. He won’t wow you with his offense (18 points in ’22-23) but he’s got size (6’3” 197) and he’ll hit and block shots. In short, he plays a steady, stay-at-home game.

According to JFresh, he’d be an upgrade over Rutta (56% WAR vs 33% WAR).

If you’re seeking a little more flash and sizzle, Minnesota’s Matt Dumba could be an intriguing add. A former seventh overall pick of the Wild back in 2012, the 28-year-old combines wheels, offensive instincts and a cannon-blast of a shot into one tidy package. Although not overly large at 6’0” and 181 pounds, he throws some seismic hits. Kind of a poor man’s Kris Letang.

However, two red flags. Dumba’s output has steadily declined over the past several seasons (only four goals in ’22-23) and his expiring contract paid him $6 million per.

He ain’t worth all that. But if Dubas can get him at a reduced rate? Perhaps a worthy reclamation project.

In the safer bet department, a pair of Devils also make the list. On the right side, Damon Severson combines size (6’2” 205) with an offensive bent (two 11-goal seasons) and steady defensive play. Having endured some down years in Jersey, he’s fairly bomb proof.

Arguably the best of the free-agent bunch, the 28-year-old’s likely due a hefty raise over his current AAV of $4.167 million.

On the port side, Ryan Graves is up for a new contract. At 6’5” and 220 pounds, the 28-year-old is kind of a prime Dumoulin-plus. Although not a big hitter, he blocks shots and plays a steady brand of defense. With eight- and nine-goal seasons on his resume, a bit more offensive than Dumo.

He’d be a great add to the left side…if we can afford him. Like Severson, he’s in line for a significant pay increase over his current salary of $3.16 million.

Now for a couple reaches. Winnipeg’s Brenden Dillon isn’t a pending UFA…he’s got one more year to go at $3.9 million. But with the Jets looking to shake up their mix?

Dillon plays every bit as big as his size, which is considerable (6’4” 220). In addition to playing strong, stay-at-home defense, he hits and fights, and quite well. He’d provide the kind of physical presence we haven’t had on defense since…well…maybe never. Certainly since the days when bruisers Brooks Orpik and Deryk Engelland patrolled our blue line.

Dillon’s a leader, too (he wears an ‘A’ for the Jets).

The drawbacks are his age (32) and the fact that Mike Sullivan abhors fighters. But a guy can dream…

A last out-of-left-field option? Suggested by Other Rick, 2021 fifth-round pick Isaac Belliveau finished out his junior career with a strong season (11 goals, 46 points in 55 games to go with a plus-50 for Gatineau). While it may a considerable stretch to think he could make the leap from junior hockey to the NHL, he has size (6’2” 180), puck skills and plays with a bit of an edge.

The longest of long shots. But at the very least, a hopeful for down the road.