Ty Smith is one of the youngest players in the organization, but the Pittsburgh Penguins are showing just how important he can be.
Coming out of training camp, many people expected Ty Smith to crack the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup right away.
Rather than starting the 2022-23 season with the Penguins, Smith was sent to the AHL and advised to work on the defensive side of his game.
Smith is known for his offensive ability on the blue line, but at 22-years-old, the organization saw plenty of room to grow defensively.
As the season approached, the organization discussed the idea that they have nine NHL-caliber defenseman and Smith was one of them.
As injuries piled up, Smith was given the recall to the NHL and the Penguins immediately showed a great deal of confidence in the young defender.
In Smith’s Penguins debut, he led all Pittsburgh defensemen with over 22 minutes of ice time.
The Penguins played with seven defensemen in Smith’s second game with the Penguins and that dropped his ice time to about 10:30 minutes, but there were still signs the team believes in the kind of player he is.
With Kris Letang away from the lineup, Smith has taken over as the quarterback of the top power play unit.
Smith isn’t just being put on the second unit just for the sake of being part of the power play, rather he’s been forced to share the ice with superstars right away.
Some growing pains may be involved with Smith and the first power play unit, but he’s finding his form.
Smith was rewarded for his efforts at the NHL level with his first goal as a member of the Penguins.
A confident shot that broke up a shutout bid against a strong Vegas Golden Knights team; Smith once again led Penguins defenders in ice time, as well.
Smith’s 23:36 was actually good enough to lead the entire Penguins lineup in the 5-2 loss.
The Penguins have been struggling as of late but are showing they have confidence in one of their youngest options in the organization.
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