Young Defender Has New Opportunity at Penguins Lineup

One of the biggest competitions at Pittsburgh Penguins training camp has been the battle for both spots on the third defensive pairing.

Between veterans, young up and comers, and a couple of professional tryout offers, the Penguins had plenty of options in who could take over on the third line.

P.O. Joseph won the role last season for the left side, and was lineup for another fight during this camp.

Head coach Mike Sullivan really likes what he has seen from Joseph, too, saying the young defenseman is ‘light years ahead’ of where he was last year.

With that vote of confidence and a solid resume of work through this camp and preseason, the spot on the left side seems all but locked up for Joseph.

The right side was all but handed to Jan Rutta last season, but his departure opened the competition to a number of different players.

Chad Ruhwedel and Mark Friedman were in-house options, and Mark Pysyk was brought on with a PTO.

Before suffering a lower-body injury, Pysyk looked like he could be the leader in the race for the right side.

With Pysyk likely out of chances, the role is back up for grabs, and it could be taken by someone who has usually played on the left side.

The injury to Pysyk has opened a new opportunity for Ty Smith to get back to the NHL level.

Smith was given a chance to play on his off-side against the Detroit Red Wings and did well with the audition.

Sullivan backed Smith saying he has great puck skills and can see the ice really well, but also discussed the importance of defensemen being able to play both sides of the ice.

“Anytime you have guys that can play multiple positions, can play their off sides, it just provides so much more flexibility,” Sullivan said. “I've always been such a strong believer that flexibility in the roster and versatility in the roster is a huge asset.”

In his nine games at the NHL level last season, Smith proved he has what it takes to be a regular in the lineup.

This camp hasn’t gone his was much, but a new opportunity has risen, and it’ll be up to him to answer the call.

A third pairing of Joseph and Smith always seemed like it could be an option, but felt like a longshot; now, it’s possible Smith works to make it a reality.