Penguins defenseman Ryan Graves sees a heavy workload this preseason

Through the first two games of the preseason, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Graves is one of six players who has appeared in each contest.

And he’s the only member of the sextet who could be considered an established NHL veteran.

(The others are forwards Cody Glass, Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty, defenseman Ryan Shea and goaltender Joel Blomqvist.)

Considering Graves has one of the biggest contracts on the squad — six years at $4.5 million a season — seeing him get such a heavy workload this early in the preseason is a bit unusual.

But it’s not without a sound reason: Graves largely struggled throughout the 2023-24 campaign.

“The thought process is we’re trying to get him off on the right foot by getting him into game action right away,” coach Mike Sullivan said following a morning skate Saturday in Cranberry. “We’re hopeful that he can build on the offseason that he had. He came into camp in great shape. We’re just trying to get him every opportunity to get off the right foot.”

Graves’ footing was uncertain throughout much of his first season with the Penguins in 2023-24. Before a concussion in late March ended his season prematurely, he had been demoted to the third pairing after starting on the top pairing.

Clearly, management has higher hopes for him entering this campaign. What does that look like ideally?

“When he’s ending plays in our end,” Sullivan said. “Getting the puck stopped using his size and his reach to end plays. When he makes simple outlet passes, when his gaps are really good through the neutral zone, he makes the entries difficult because of his reach and his size. He can squelch a lot of rushes, especially early because of his wingspan. And just simple plays with the puck, I think that’s when he’s at his best.”

Off to Hockeyville

The Penguins are scheduled to face the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at a neutral site, the Sudbury (Ont.) Community Arena, as part of the NHL’s Hockeyville promotion.

In years past, the Penguins have participated in the Hockeyville event, which provides funding to spruce up small community rinks. Sunday’s game in Sudbury is slated to benefit the Elliot Lake (Ont.) Centennial Arena, approximately two hours to the west.

Sullivan expressed reverence for the significance of the event.

“Our guys are excited to go there,” Sullivan said. “I know what it means to the community of Sudbury. … It’s just a huge deal for that community (to host) NHL players. Especially when a guy like Sid goes to a small community like that. It just means the world to them. We all have a responsibility to support and grow the game. And support the people that love the game like we do.

“These people are diehard hockey fans. It’s a great gesture by the league. It’s certainly a responsibility that we take seriously. I know it’s going to be a great experience.”

Karlsson remains off ice

Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is scheduled to remain off ice for the remainder of the weekend as he recuperates from an undisclosed injury.

Sullivan indicated Karlsson’s respite from skating is “part of the rehab process.”

Karlsson has yet to participate in any practice sessions during training camp and has only skated a handful of times before practice.