The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a significant move by placing defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers. This decision comes just after acquiring Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets, signaling a shift in their roster strategy.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Decision on Ryan Graves
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Ryan Graves has been placed on waivers for the second time this season. Previously, Graves was waived during training camp and was among the last cuts made by the team. Despite having not been claimed on the previous waiver, Graves has primarily played in Pittsburgh rather than with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the franchise’s AHL affiliate.
Graves’ Performance This Season
- Games Played in AHL: 10
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 6
- Games Played in NHL: 17
Graves, a native of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, was called up to the Penguins in early November. During his time in the NHL, he has struggled to find the score sheet, netting only one goal in his 17 games with Pittsburgh.
Ryan Graves’ NHL Background
At 30 years old, Ryan Graves is an experienced player with eight years in the NHL. Before joining the Penguins for the 2023-24 season, he played for teams such as the Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils. Over his career, Graves has accumulated impressive statistics, totaling 33 goals and 86 assists, which equals 119 career points.
The Penguins’ recent roster adjustments indicate their commitment to optimizing team performance as they progress through the season. The decision to waive Ryan Graves may open new opportunities for both the player and the franchise as they navigate the competitive landscape of professional hockey.
