Rookie Defenseman Set to Help Penguins Playoff Push

PITTSBURGH – When the Pittsburgh Penguins traded Chad Ruhwedel to the New York Rangers, a window of opportunity opened for a few key faces. Without Ruhwedel in the lineup, young Penguins blueliners like John Ludvig and Ryan Shea would likely see more playing time in the NHL.

On top of Ludvig and Shea, Penguins’ general manager Kyle Dubas gave a lot of praise to Jack St. Ivany. The 24-year-old defenseman was given his first recall to the NHL and could be on the verge of making his NHL debut.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” St. Ivany said. “A little bit of a whirlwind from yesterday to today. I’m just excited to be here.”

St. Ivany is one of very few right-shot defenders in the Penguins’ organization, giving him an edge in reaching the lineup, but nothing is set in stone. Ludvig and P.O. Joseph put together multi-point games against the San Jose Sharks, giving a valid argument they should stick for another game.

The Penguins are set to face the Rangers in the first half of a back-to-back. Ludvig’s grit and physicality will likely keep him in, but it’s possible Joseph comes out for St. Ivany, who may bring a better defensive game.

Head coach Mike Sullivan also spoke highly of St. Ivany's contributions at the AHL level and noted that he may stand out in certain situations over other depth defensive options.

“He’s been very good on the penalty kill. He’s a solid defending defenseman.” Sullivan said. “Depending on what our needs are, we can go to those guys.”

St. Ivany will be ready for the opportunity whenever he is called upon. The Penguins are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, and he’ll look to help out with that.

“It’s really tight here,” St. Ivany said. “Five points out of a playoff spot. I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win. Block a big shot, make a hit, anything. Anything to get a win.”

If St. Ivany makes his way to the lineup, it will be the Penguins’ fourth NHL debut of the 2023-24 season. Shea and Ludvig made their debuts in back-to-back games in October, and Marc Johnstone suited up in early December.