Penguins place $4.5 million defenseman on waivers amid roster shakeup
The Penguins have placed $4.5 million defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers today after the team needed to clear up a roster spot for Yegor Chinakov's arrival.
After acquiring Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets yesterday, the Penguins needed to open a spot on their active roster.
The team has done that by placing defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers today, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
This isn't the first time Ryan Graves was placed on waivers this season
This marks the second time this season that the 30-year-old defenseman has hit the waiver wire. Graves was previously waived during training camp as one of Pittsburgh's final cuts.
After going unclaimed, he began the season with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, appearing in 10 games and producing a goal and six assists. That earned him a recall in early November, and he's been with the Penguins since.
Graves has played 17 games this season in a limited role, averaging just under 15 minutes per night. He has recorded one goal and 31 blocked shots.
Why the Penguins felt that waivers was the only option at the moment for Ryan Graves
While offense has never been his strength, his $4.5 million cap hit through 2028-29 highlights a misalignment between production and contract.
It's expected that Graves will again go unclaimed and return to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, joining Mathew Dumba on a high-priced AHL back end.
From there, he'll aim to work his way back to Pittsburgh, a possibility if the Penguins move one of their pending UFA defensemen, including Connor Clifton, Brett Kulak, or Ryan Shea.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30 | 182 ANSWERS Penguins place $4.5 million defenseman on waivers amid roster shakeup Will any team claim Ryan Graves? | ||
| Yes | 70 | 38.5 % |
| No | 112 | 61.5 % |
| List of polls | ||