Brian Dumoulin has been the Pittsburgh Penguins' top-line defenseman for the better part of the past decade. His steady defensive presence and underrated passing ability next to Kris Letang helped lead the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
However, with Dumoulin's game slowing down after suffering multiple severe lower-body injuries, the Penguins may look to move on from the pending unrestricted free agent. Who could the Penguins target to fill the hole left by Dumoulin's potential departure?
It's not out of the realm of possibility that they stay in-house for that spot. Marcus Pettersson had a good season as the Penguins' number two man on the left side and even stepped up to play with Letang at points. With Pettersson under team control for two more seasons and a laundry list of other holes to fill, the Penguins' best option may be to promote from within.
If the Penguins want outside help, a few intriguing names are ready to hit the open market this summer.
Vladislav Gavrikov was the consolation prize for the Los Angeles Kings after they failed to land Jakob Chychrun at the trade deadline. Gavrikov has performed well since joining the Kings and currently leads their defense in shot attempts percentage (54.22%) and scoring chance percentage (55%) in the playoffs.
According to Sportsnet's Jeff Marek, Gavrikov declined to engage in contract talks with the Kings after the trade leaving his future in Los Angeles uncertain. Gavrikov could be a nice upgrade to the Penguins' defense if he hits the open market.
Another defenseman that will be at the top of everyone's wish list is Ryan Graves. Graves has been an excellent defenseman over the past four seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and now the New Jersey Devils.
Graves is playing alongside former Penguins blue liner John Marino as a stout second-pair defensive presence for one of the best defense corps in hockey. With Graves and Damon Severson due contracts this summer and Luke Hughes looking ready to join the team next season, Graves could be available on July 1st.
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