P.O. Joseph has a chance to really surprise the Pittsburgh Penguins. No one in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization was happy with how the 2022-23 season came to an end. The Penguins just barely missed the postseason and that was enough for a number of massive changes to be made. Fenway Sports Group relieved Ron Hextall and Brian Burke of their duties in the front office and landed the biggest free agent executive in Kyle Dubas. Right away, Dubas got to work in building a new Penguins roster that can not only win, but compete for the ultimate goal of a Stanley Cup. Among those additions to the Penguins roster was defenseman Ryan Graves whom Dubas signed on the opening day of free agency. Graves penned a six-year contract worth $4.5 million annually and is already shaping up to be Kris Letang’s new defensive partner. Given how last season ended and the kind of turnover that followed, Graves was walking into a room shooting for a much better outcome. “Losing is not accepted here,” Graves said. “They were not happy with how last year ended. I think it brings a hunger.” Graves said that hunger isn’t just talked about in the Penguins locker room, you can physically feel it among the players. “It’s something you can literally feel when you walk in this room,” Graves said. “I’m happy to experience it and be a part of it.” For almost two decades, the Penguins have been led by their core group in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. All three are over the age of 35, but are still bringing their best to the team every day, even in training camp. Graves noticed that being around guys like that forces everyone to elevate their own game. “You feel the presence,” Graves said. “You feel the way you need to raise your game to play with guys that lead this room.” While the Penguins are hungrier than ever to win, Graves should be bringing his own level of intensity. As a member of the New Jersey Devils last year, Graves played a role in an unexpected rise to prominence. The Devils were the NHL’s biggest surprise last year going from seventh in the Metropolitan Division to defeating the New York Rangers in the opening round of the postseason. Graves got a taste of winning with New Jersey and will want to translate that over to Pittsburgh. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Sam Poulin Making Strong Case for NHL Role With Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/sam-poulin-strong-case-nhl-role-pittsburgh-penguins] Penguins' Newcomer Named Among Top Players in NHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-erik-karlsson-named-top-players-nhl] Penguins Drop Second Split Squad Match in OT [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-drop-split-squad-match-overtime] Penguins Open Preseason with Shootout Victory [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-open-preseason-shootout-vicotry] Sidney Crosby Believes Oilers' Superstar Can Reach 170 Points [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/pens-talk/pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby-connor-mcdavid-170-points] * undefined * undefined Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTkwMDEyNjI0OTM4MzYw/img_6014.jpg]
