Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

CRANBERRY — The Pittsburgh Penguins filled their need for a left-handed, top-four defenseman by signing Ryan Graves to a six-year contract that carries a salary-cap hit of $4.5 million.

Graves, 28, had eight goals, 18 assists and was a plus-34 in 78 games with New Jersey in 2022-23.

He is 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and recorded 83 hits, second-most among Devils defensemen, last season.

He moves and puck fairly well and has shown the potential to develop into an outstanding shutdown defenseman.

An opening for a left-side defenseman was created when the Penguins did not re-sign Brian Dumoulin.

Graves was a fourth-round draft choice of the New York Rangers in 2013, but never played for them. He has split his career between Colorado and New Jersey.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Bengals star WR not expected to sign franchise tender before OTAs
Red Sox RHP diagnosed with ligament damage in elbow
Watch: Caitlin Clark shows off range with logo three, but Fever fall short
Former Dolphins receiving leader announces his retirement from NFL
Detroit Lions dominate PFF's top-25 players under 25
Hall of Famer, legendary Raiders offensive lineman dead at 86
Report: Cavs owner 'would never' trade Donovan Mitchell to this team
Kim Mulkey adds legendary LSU alum to coaching staff
Insider details LeBron James' role in Lakers' head-coaching search
Cardinals switch up offensive line, move 2023 first-rounder to new position
Commanders poach another key overseer of Lions rebuild
Commanders to hire veteran executive as player personnel director
Guardians designate outfielder for assignment
Patriots' Drake Maye starts OTAs in surprising position
Bettors are buying Bronny James hype before the 2024 NBA Draft
Mets release veteran infielder
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren highlight 2023-24 All-Rookie team
Jaguars' Doug Pederson discusses Trevor Lawrence contract extension
Saints, star CB 'moving forward' following trade chatter

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.