New Defender Still Fighting for Spot in Penguins Lineup

When trying to build the Pittsburgh Penguins defense, there are the obvious choices on the top two lines, but the third pair is still fairly undecided.

P.O. Joseph seems to have a firm grip on the left side and a few names floating around for the right, but the Penguins might have a sleeper choice to make the roster.

Defenseman Ryan Shea is new to the organization and entered with a lot to prove; with a one-year deal, Shea is still looking to make his NHL debut and is making a name for himself.

In three seasons with the Texas Stars of the AHL, Shea built a resume of a solid defender who has nice puck moving ability; over his last two years in Texas, Shea recorded 50 assists.

During his time at Penguins training camp, Shea has looked like a confident skater and smart decision maker with a fair amount of upside.

Shea hasn’t made too many bad decisions and has been given ample opportunity with the Penguins; he’s suited up in three preseason games and is listed on the roster for a possible fourth.

Not only is Shea being given opportunities, but so far he’s been acing his tests.

The Penguins have made multiple rounds of cuts, including sending a group of players through waivers to the AHL, yet Shea is still around.

Shea is a left-shot defenseman and is fighting with Joseph for a role in the lineup, but a seventh defensemen role could be in the cards.

Kyle Dubas gave himself and head coach Mike Sullivan plenty of options to chose from this year, and Shea has sprouted into an unlikely, but promising candidate.