Red Wings must seriously consider claiming Pittsburgh Penguins castoff

The Pittsburgh Penguins' recent decision to place veteran defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers, as mentioned by insider Elliotte Friedman, is one that Steve Yzerman should at least consider claiming. It's the second time Graves has been placed on waivers this season, the first time going unclaimed. The Penguins needed to open up a roster spot after trading for Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

For the Detroit Red Wings, who have struggled (at times) to find consistent depth on their blue line, this move presents a unique opportunity to enhance the back end without giving up anything to do so, as the team looks to solidify its third pairing, adding Graves warrants consideration.

Graves, 30, a left-handed defenseman, has built a reputation as a reliable, stay-at-home blueliner with little to no ability to contribute offensively. Graves has totaled five points, including two goals, over his past 78 games. He's recorded just one goal and one point in 17 games this season with the Penguins.

Over his career, spanning stints with Colorado, New Jersey, and Pittsburgh, Graves has demonstrated strong shot-blocking skills, physicality, and a steady presence in the defensive zone, all areas the Detroit Red Wings could use a boost. His weaknesses, however, include occasional lapses in puck management and limited agility when facing fast-paced forechecks.

Where would Ryan Graves fit with the Detroit Red Wings?

This can be masked by playing with a more defensive-minded partner like Albert Johansson, despite his age. Johansson is still growing, but he seems to be getting much more consistent as the season goes on, and he's been displaying much more confidence of late. Despite these limitations, Graves’ experience and durability remain valuable assets for teams seeking stability on the back end.

Detroit’s third defensive pairing has been a revolving door this season, with Albert Johansson paired with either Jacob Bernard-Docker or Travis Hamonic on any given night. Graves could immediately steady this unit, providing a left-handed option with top-four experience who can log penalty-killing minutes and reduce the workload on less seasoned players.

As for Travis Hamonic, the arrival of Graves would likely signal the end of his short-lived Detroit era. Hamonic was a low-risk, low-reward type of depth deal that didn't cost Yzerman and the Red Wings much. I am ok with the signing, but he's been very underwhelming for the Red Wings. So much so, I'd prefer his roster spot be given to Justin Holl, and that isn't a compliment to Holl. I am just trying to describe to you where I am at on Hamonic.

Ryan Graves is signed through the 2028-29 season at $4.5 million annually. While this represents a significant commitment for a third-pairing defenseman and has the potential to age very poorly, but I don't believe he'd end up with the Griffins like Holl and Gustafsson.

Detroit’s current cap situation is favourable, with plenty of room to add salary without jeopardizing its immediate plans. Claiming Graves would not require sacrificing draft picks or assets, making it a low-risk acquisition from a transaction standpoint. Yzerman must weigh the value of short-term stability against the risk of long-term roster congestion and salary commitments.