The NHL's official Facebook account recently shared their projected defense pairings for each Metropolitan Division club. Here is how they see the Pittsburgh Penguins' defense looking once the 2025-26 season is here.
First Pairing: Owen Pickering & Kris Letang
For the Penguins' top pairing, the NHL's account sees prospect defenseman Owen Pickering playing alongside Kris Letang. This would be a major role for a young defenseman on the rise like Pickering, but he could very well benefit from playing on a pairing with a veteran blueliner like Letang.
Second Pairing: Ryan Graves & Erik Karlsson
The NHL's account sees Ryan Graves and Erik Karlsson being the Penguins' second pairing. If Graves ends up being in a top-four role next season, they will be hoping that he can bounce back. As for Karlsson, he could work playing alongside a defensive defenseman like Graves in 2025-26.
Third Pairing: Parker Wotherspoon & Matt Dumba
For the Penguins' third pairing, the NHL's account sees newcomers Parker Wotherspoon and Matt Dumba playing together. This pairing would certainly be interesting to watch, as both players are hard-hitting defensemen who do not shy away from the physical side of the game. Playing bottom-pairing minutes, there could be a match here.
