Evaluating the Left Side
The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering training camp with a clear need for a left‑handed defenseman, prompting the front office to issue professional tryout offers to a handful of candidates. While Declan Carlile and Sam Girard are slated to start the season on the left side, the organization acknowledges that depth beyond them remains unsettled, leading to a search for reliable options.
Veteran right‑handed defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk is expected to slide into the left‑handed role, joining a group that includes Ryan Graves, rookie Owen Pickering, Ilya Solovyov and rehabbing Caleb Jones. General manager Kyle Dubas sees the tryouts as a low‑risk way to add competition, a tactic he previously used when signing Caleb Jones, hoping a similar no‑risk approach yields a viable contract.
PTO Candidates and Their Profiles
Among the prospects, Jake Bean, 28, offers puck‑moving ability but lacks size and physical presence, whereas Ben Hutton provides a steady, dependable game that could complement the younger players. Logan Stanley, a 6‑foot‑8 presence, has opted to pursue multi‑year guarantees rather than a tryout, leaving the Penguins to consider other avenues.
Nick Leddy, nearing the twilight of his career, could serve as a mentor and short‑term solution while Owen Pickering develops, and his potential availability also makes him an attractive trade chip.
Historical Context and GM Strategy
The team’s track record with PTOs is modest; since 2012 only a few trialists have earned NHL contracts, notably Jesse Puljujarvi and Colin White, underscoring the challenge of turning tryouts into lasting roster spots. Under Dubas, ten PTOs have been signed, with most ending without a contract, though exceptions like Brian Boyle’s one‑year deal show that careful vetting can pay off.