Addressing Penguins’ biggest positional needs: Defense

Over the last several days, we have dissected the Pittsburgh Penguins’ need for more offense and discussed options for upgrading at third-line center and in the top-six.

If there is one more glaring area of weakness on this roster, it’s the Pens’ defense core. They are set on the right side in their top-four with Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson but could use a solid third-pair right defenseman. And aside from top-pair defenseman Marcus Pettersson, the left side has a hole in the top-four.

Ryan Graves, signed to a six-year, $27 million contract last summer, was a massive disappointment in 2023-24. John Ludvig, albeit showing a few flashes last season, is a question mark. And despite the signings of a plethora of third-pairing/depth defensemen – Matt Grzelcyk, Sebastian Aho, Ryan Shea, Mac Hollowell, and Nathan Clurman – they still lack another legitimate top-four talent.

Let’s be clear: The only way an upgrade at left defense would work, or even happen, is if the Penguins somehow find a way to offload Graves’s contract. Because of this, another move to bolster the left defense core is highly unlikely.

But even if just for some fun speculative thinking, let’s explore some options.

Spence, the first Australian-born player to play in the NHL, is in the midst of negotiations with the Kings on a potential bridge deal, as the RFA has not accepted the $813,750 qualifying offer that was extended to him. But the Kings have defensive depth to spare, and Spence may not figure to be part of their long-term plan, even if he does sign a bridge deal or accept the QA.

The 23-year-old defenseman registered 24 points in 71 games with the Kings last season, and he profiles as a good puck-moving defenseman with an above-average shot. But despite his upside – and his strong underlying metrics – he found himself on the bench as a healthy scratch several times last season:

Given the Kings’ depth on defense, as we mentioned, it’s possible that both parties may want to move on. Spence would be a welcome addition to the Penguins’ third pair, and he would shore up the Penguins’ right side nicely and has top-four upside.

Despite recently signing a two-year, $6 million extension with Toronto, the 25-year-old Swedish right defenseman has been the subject of trade rumors for a while. Drafted 17th overall by the Leafs in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Liljegren has showed flashes of being the first-round talent Toronto drafted, but he has failed to stay healthy and consistent.

Even though a $3 million cap hit for a defenseman isn’t really what the Penguins need at this juncture, Liljegren has barely scratched the surface of his potential as an NHL player. He scored 23 points in 55 games last season and plays a pretty good two-way game.

The injuries are a concern, but with some retention from Toronto, there isn’t too much risk involved with the Penguins taking on a younger defenseman with upside for only two years – and he would be an upgrade over any other defenseman the Penguins can deploy right-side on the third pairing.

Although it’s unlikely that Colorado would make a move to trade a contract now, they will have some decisions to make this upcoming season, as forwards Mikko Rantanen and Jonathan Drouin are due for lucrative extensions in 2025-26, and they will need to commit dollars to goaltending. They still sit $4.78 million under the cap as of now, so the urgency isn’t quite there yet.

But they will need to dump cap at some point, and Girard is a prime candidate. The 26-year-old left defenseman is on the books for three more years at $5 million AAV, and he may, unfortunately, become a cap casualty for the Avs at some point next season. Girard scored 18 points in 59 games last season, and while he’s entirely capable skillset-wise on the offensive side of the puck, his defensive game is strong.

Girard would complement well with someone like Letang, especially in the waning years of his career. He would provide the right balance to allow Letang to still thrive in the areas he does while also evolving to become less aggressive as his game changes with age. Girard can both thrive as a stay-at-home defenseman and as a defenseman who can move the puck well.

In order for the Penguins to make this work, however, they would have to unload Graves’ contract at some point. But if the opportunity is there, Girard is someone worth taking a look at, as he would help solidify the Penguins’ top-four.

The recent buyout of Ryan Suter’s contract makes a Lindell trade unlikely. But with Lindell being a pending UFA – and prospect Lian Bichsel knocking on the door – a trade might make sense if they’re looking to revamp their blue line. They also have seven pending UFAs and three RFAs lined up for 2025, so there will be decisions to make.

Even though he isn’t young, Lindell, 30, has been a solid defensive defenseman for Dallas, and he is great on the penalty kill. He can also provide the occasional offensive contribution as well. He registered five goals and 26 points last season, and he is a good skater.

Again, ANY trade for a top-four left defenseman would have to involve somehow unloading Graves first, and it would be necessary in order to fit Lindell’s $5.8 million under the cap, even with some retention. Dallas may also be interested in some veteran center depth – perhaps someone like Lars Eller – to shore up their bottom-six.

Given the moves the Penguins have made in the LD department – and the Graves contract – the likelihood of them grabbing a rental defensemen is slim to none. But Lindell would be an upgrade on any other left defenseman they have with the exception of Pettersson.

Related: Addressing Penguins’ biggest positional needs: Third-line center

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