Hey all. Just a brief Penguins hodgepodge from yours truly to begin your Thursday.
Yesterday, PP colleague Caleb DiNatale called my attention to a comment made by defenseman Ryan Graves in an article by Seth Rorabaugh on the Tribune Review.
In discussing his play last season, the 29-year-old blueliner remarked, “The media loves a negative story line. If you read the story lines, you’d think I had played bad every night. That’s not the case.”
Most observers agreed that Graves, our marquee free-agent signing from a year ago, endured a disappointing first season in the ‘Burgh. Coming off a strong 2022-23 campaign for the Devils (eight goals, 26 points, plus-34), he was expected to fill a top-four slot next to Kris Letang or fellow newcomer high-profile Erik Karlsson. He struggled to find a fit with both.
Indeed, his best work seemed to occur after he was demoted to the third pairing, especially when skating next to sturdy rookie Jack St. Ivany.
For the record, he experienced similar struggles his first year in New Jersey before blossoming alongside Dougie Hamilton in ’22-23.
“I know I’m not thrilled with how I played last year,” he said. “I know it’s not to my standards. I feel confident I’ll be better this year.”
“I know that I’m still a good player,” added the ’19-20 NHL plus-minus leader.
Statistically speaking, he’s right. Even in a down year, he placed third among Pens rearguards in plus/minus (plus-10) and tied for fourth on the team. In addition, the rangy defender was on the ice for the fewest 5v5 goals against (37) among our regular defensemen. By comparison, way less than perceived stalwart Marcus Pettersson (67).
In fact, Graves ranked 16th among NHL defensemen who played at least 1000 minutes in fewest 5v5 goals allowed/60 minutes. Reinforcing the notion that, however it appeared to the naked eye, he wasn’t as bad as it seemed.
More Cuts
The Pens returned 2024 draftees Tanner Howe and Finn Harding to their respective junior teams. I have high hopes for Howe, a feisty 18-year-old left wing with a scoring touch. Unfortunately, he sustained a facial injury early in camp that no doubt impeded his progress.
Jags Calls it a Career
Jaromír Jágr is finally hanging up his skates. The former Pens great and 52-year-old wonder said he’ll retire following the current Czech Extraliga season.
I, for one, would love to see him join the Pens’ organization in some capacity down the road. Much as it did during his playing career, there’s an electricity and sense of fun that accompanies the sure-fire Hall-of-Famer.
Speaking of fun, I’m reminded of the flier he posted on X a couple of summers ago, offering his services to NHL teams.
“NHL GMs—I am also free agent, once again. 6’3” 265…50 years old, slow but strong and good hands. Can bring experience and like to play only home games. Call me anytime.”
Gotta love him!
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Hey Rick,
1. I am in no way calling Graves the second coming of Bobby Orr but I do agree with him, he isn't as bad of a player as the media and many fans love to whine about. Graves problem isn't talent, it is having made the mistake of signing in Pgh where Sullivan destroys defenseman - well actually players regardless of position. Perhaps the only defenseman who exceled in Sullivan's overly complex, opposite world strategy was Mike Matheson. In that same vein, I doubt he will have a bounce back year because the same system is still in place.
2. The cuts don't surprise me. neither really got reps - whether injuries or whatever. More importantly, neither player is a fossil coming from another team. The only way a kid gets a real break is if they walk on water or if they are bad enough for Sullivan to say, "See kids can't play." so he can create a smoke screen to justify his allergies. Rather than give true prospects reps with veterans, he puts them out there with players that may never even make Wheeling's roster in an effort to put them in position to fail, rather than giving them that opportunity to succeed.
3. Jagr - Not sorry Rick, for his on ice contributions Jagr deserves to eventually go to the hall of fame. For his childish behavior off the ice, no thank you to all other Jagr stuff, Keep him Kladno.
Actually Rick, on consideration, yes I would bury my memories of all the childish things Jagr did to disrespect this city if he would sell his Kladno club and form a coalition with Mario, Sid, Geno, and Tanger to buy out FSG then dump Sully and usher in a new era of hockey devoid of the obstinate clinging to a 7-year failed doctrine.