Penguins Rumors: Big Update On Ryan Graves' Future In Pittsburgh

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman Ryan Graves celebrates after scoring a goal in 2025 game.

The Pittsburgh Penguins may be facing a tough decision on defenseman Ryan Graves as they head into a big offseason. 

After signing a six-year, $27 million deal in 2023, Graves has not lived up to expectations, spending much of this past season as a third-pairing defenseman and healthy scratch for 21 games. Penguins' former coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged some late-season improvements but admitted, “Our expectation is higher as far as his impact to helping the team win,” pointing to a need for more consistency and physicality in Graves’ game.

Penguins Could Explore Trading Ryan Graves This Summer
Given Graves’ $4.5 million cap hit and reduced role, the Penguins could look to trade him to clear salary space, though a move would likely require attaching an asset or retaining salary, according to Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Graves, who averaged just 14:59 of ice time per game this season compared to nearly 19 minutes earlier in his career, understands that his future is uncertain. “I’ve gotten the call in July before that you’re going somewhere else,” Graves said. “Regardless of what it is, I’m going to give myself the best opportunity for success next year.”

New Leadership, New Direction for Pittsburgh
With Kyle Dubas leading a significant organizational overhaul — including the recent decision to part ways with head coach Mike Sullivan — the Penguins are embracing change. 

Trading Graves would fit into Dubas’ strategy of building around a younger core while maximizing the remaining prime years of veterans like Sidney Crosby. 

Whether through trade or buyout, it’s clear that Graves' days in Pittsburgh could be numbered unless he can recapture his form and reestablish himself as a dependable top-four defenseman.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images 

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