The Pittsburgh Penguins steady-eddy, always reliable if unspectacular, right-side defenseman Chad Ruhwedel will compete for the 2024 Stanley Cup as the Penguins dealt the d-man to the New York Rangers.
The trade return was a 2027 fourth-round pick.
Ruhwedel, 33, has been a mainstay on the Penguins’ NHL roster for a few years. He is a trusted favorite of coach Mike Sullivan because of his steady play, but he was often in and out of the lineup. This season, Ruhwedel has given way to a few other defensemen, including Ryan Shea and John Ludvig. Ruhwedel has four points, scoring one goal in 47 games.
The Penguins signed Ruhwedel for the 2016-17 NHL season. He played 34 games on the team that won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. He played a career-high 78 games in 2021-22, setting highs in goals (4) and assists (9). He has equaled his second-highest games-played total this season.
Ludvig is the extra defenseman who will step into the Penguins lineup, barring a call-up or trade. The Rangers visit the Penguins on March 16.
More must-reads: