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Returning Penguins Reignites Depth Defensive Battle

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Penguins
By Nick Horwat | Last updated 12/12/23

For the last three weeks, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been without both P.O. Joseph and Chad Ruhwedel on their blue line thanks to injuries.

With those two out of the lineup, the Penguins’ third line was anchored by rookies who made their NHL debuts a game apart, Ryan Shea and John Ludvig.

Those debuts came early in the season and Ludvig suffered an injury of his own, but Joseph and Ruhwedel are nearing returns forcing new decisions for management and the coaching staff.

The Penguins have activated defenseman P.O Joseph off of injured reserve. Defenseman Dmitri Samorukov has been re-assigned to the @WBSPenguins.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 12, 2023

The Penguins will soon have to decide over who sticks on the NHL roster and in the lineup on a regular basis between those four options.

President and general manager Kyle Dubas said that the return to health for those players should re-open competition over who sticks.

“We’d like for one of those guys, whether it be P.O., Chad, Shea, or Ludvig to really take hold of it and run with it,” Dubas said. “That’s what we’re waiting for with all the depth guys right now. The opportunity is massive. Somebody has to run with it otherwise we have to continue to search for players who will.”

President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas addresses questions and criticism surrounding Pittsburgh's up-and-down start.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 11, 2023

It really sounds as if Dubas is again throwing down a challenge to his players and that’s what’s best for the team.

The Penguins have struggled with their depth this season and are still waiting for players to step up and take full claim of a spot.

Between those four options for the third pairing, they’ve combined for just three assists and a minus-10.

No one expects much from the bottom pairing, especially when the top six consists of a pair of future Hall of Famers, but they can’t fall as flat as they have.

With Joseph likely making his return, it’ll be up to him to take the first step in reclaiming his role as an NHL regular.

If things don't improve with these options, Dubas has options in the AHL with experience that are hungry to gain ground.

Jack Rathbone and Dmitri Samorukov are newcomers looking for a push and Ty Smith can always provide offense if they need it; you also still can’t full count out Will Butcher or Xavier Ouellet.