Penguins Waive Ryan Graves, Assign Young Players to AHL Amid Roster Adjustments

What's Happening?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced a series of roster changes as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season. Key among these changes is the decision to place veteran defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers. Graves, who has four years remaining on his contract, will be assigned to the AHL if he clears waivers. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce the team's roster to 23 players. Alongside Graves, several young players, including Tristan Broz, Avery Hayes, Owen Pickering, and Sergei Murashov, have been sent to the AHL. The team also released Robby Fabbri from his tryout. These decisions come as the Penguins place Bryan Rust, Kevin Hayes, and Rutger McGroarty on the injured reserve list, further shaping the team's lineup for the season.

Why It's Important?

These roster adjustments are significant for the Penguins as they aim to balance veteran experience with emerging talent. The decision to waive Graves, despite his lengthy contract, indicates a strategic shift towards developing younger players. This move could impact the team's defensive strategies, as Graves was expected to be a key player. The demotion of promising young talents like Pickering, Broz, and Hayes suggests that the Penguins are prioritizing their development in the AHL, potentially strengthening the team's future lineup. The outcome of these changes will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as they could influence the Penguins' performance in the upcoming season.

What's Next?

The Penguins will learn by Sunday if Graves and other waived players clear waivers, which will determine their immediate future with the team. If Graves clears waivers, he will join the AHL, but his long-term prospects remain uncertain due to his contract structure. The young players sent to the AHL will have the opportunity to gain experience and potentially be called up during the season. The Penguins' management will continue to monitor player performance and make further adjustments as needed to optimize the team's competitiveness.