There will be no shortage of options for the Pittsburgh Penguins and their final defenseman in the roster.

It’s already obvious that the Pittsburgh Penguins will see plenty of battles for open roster spots during training camp.

One of the more interesting battles to keep an eye on will be who can step up and takeover as the Penguins’ third line, right shot defenseman.

Jan Rutta filled that gap for much of the 2022-23 season, but with him sent to the San Jose Sharks in the Erik Karlsson trade, the spot is up for grabs.

The Penguins will have plenty of options to chose from, too, as quite a few skaters have a chance to impress at camp.

Chad Ruhwedel

The usual stopgap on defense is Chad Ruhwedel, but is he worth turning to for a full season?

Ruhwedel is often best suited as a seventh defenseman, only utilized as injury replacement, but this season might open a new opportunity.

With this battle opening up for the sixth defensive spot, Ruhwedel might enter with an upper-hand.

He’s been around the block a few times and brings a steady veteran presence that others can’t provide.

Ruhwedel is 33-years-old, and has played a near-full season before slotting in for 78 games during the 2021-22 season.

It’s not a terrible option, but the biggest concern will be if Ruhwedel has the juice to make it a full season when there are plenty of youthful options behind him?

Mark Friedman

While usually preferring to play on the left side, Mark Friedman is a right handed defenseman who is always fun to have in the lineup.

Friedman isn’t exactly known for his skill or defensive ability, but rather his personality and intention to get under an opponent’s skin.

Not a goon or an enforcer, rather a pest whose sole job is to take you off of your game.

Friedman is more useful on a part-time basis, and likely doesn’t stand a chance to be an everyday player, but he’ll find his way back to the NHL soon enough.

Ty Smith

This is where things can get interesting; Ty Smith is a left hand shot defender, but arguably the most skilled option.

Not only does Smith posses the most talent, he might be the most deserving of the group to be given an everyday role.

With a left side stocked up on Ryan Graves, Marcus Pettersson, and P.O. Joseph, Smith is either forced out of the lineup on his familiar wing, or can be tested on his off side.

A third defensive pair of Joseph and Smith has the chance to not only produce at a new level, but be a glimpse at what the future might hold for the defensive core.

Both players are young and still early in their NHL careers, and the Penguins could use all the youth they can get this year.

Will Butcher

Forgotten in all of the moving and shaking of the Penguins’ offseason was the addition of Will Butcher.

Much like Smith, Butcher is a left shot defender who could be willing to play his off side if it meant getting regular NHL minutes again.

Butcher is a former teammate of Smith with the New Jersey Devils, and during Butcher’s rookie season he was voted onto the NHL’s All Rookie Team.

During 81 games of the 2017-18 season, Butcher posted 44 points and helped push the Devils into the postseason.

The numbers haven’t looked the same ever since for Butcher, but if he can take huge steps forward during camp, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be given a fair shake at the Penguins’ lineup.

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