Penguins Defenseman Saved Late in Season
A young defender may have kept himself alive on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster with a late surge.
PITTSBURGH – As the trade deadline approached for the Pittsburgh Penguins, much focus was on forwards like Jake Guentzel and Reilly Smith. While everyone was questioning the future of those two in Pittsburgh, a young Penguins defenseman was floating around as an under-the-radar trade piece.
According to insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Penguins seemed interested in moving P.O. Joseph, and he was looking for a fresh start with a new team.
Obviously, Joseph ended up staying, but could he still be on the block heading into this offseason? Friedman didn't count out the possibility, but the play of Joseph may have saved his role with his play.
The Penguins struggled for most of the season before finally finding some successful hockey in the season's final weeks. Joseph was promoted to the top pairing alongside Kris Letang during that time. It’s not a new role for Joseph, but he played some of his best hockey.
Josh Yohe of the Athletic says everyone in the front office was impressed with his late-season turnaround. It may not seal his spot on the roster in 2024-25, but being able to play well with Letang may go a long way.
“Does that mean he’s in Pittsburgh to stay? Does it mean he played well enough that the Penguins could trade him?” Yohe writes. “Joseph plays well with Letang, which is no small thing. Letang is hard to play with.”
It looks like the Penguins have a positive opinion on Joseph, and won't want to see him go anywhere anytime soon. He can help the blue line if he sticks to whatever was working for him. There are still a few things to figure out on defense, but Joseph isn't one of them.
It seems doubtful Joseph will get moved, while fellow youngsters Ryan Shea and Jack St. Ivany were also impressive in their late-season play. John Ludvig is a physical presence and may earn a role as the seventh defender next season.
Questions will remain around Ryan Graves, but those are for Kyle Dubas to figure out. For now, Joseph’s push at the end of the season seems to have saved his job in Pittsburgh.
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