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Penguins place $27M defenseman on waivers, creating a potential option for the Canadiens
A $27 million contract has just hit waivers, and Montreal has to decide quickly.
On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins placed defenseman Ryan Graves on waivers as the organization looks to open up a roster spot. At 30 years old, Graves is carrying a massive deal: six years, $27 million, with a $4.5 million cap hit per season.
The issue is the player's recent production. Last season, Graves recorded four points in 61 NHL games. That number stands out, especially when you compare it to a depth option like Jayden Struble. Struble is 24 years old, is signed for two more seasons, and carries a cap hit of $1.4125 million. This season, he has five points in 30 games.
Ryan Graves and the number that changes everything
The real debate is the total cost. Claiming Graves off waivers means taking on the entire contract, with no salary retained. At $4.5 million per year, you're not just "adding a defenseman"-you're altering your cap-management plan. And that can quickly force another move.
"In order to make room on the NHL roster for Yegor Chinakhov, the Penguins designated Ryan Graves as non-roster.
This will be the second time this season that he has been placed on waivers"
- Seth Rorabaugh
This will be the second time this season that he has been placed on waivers"
- Seth Rorabaugh
From the Canadiens' perspective, the math is straightforward. Struble costs three times less, is younger, and is signed for a shorter term. Graves brings an established presence, but his long-term contract complicates every decision going forward-especially when flexibility is a priority.
That's where the choice becomes significant: does Kent Hughes really want to turn a depth question into a long-term commitment? At $4.5 million per season, it's not a short-term patch, but rather a calculated move that would need to fit the Canadiens' long-term vision.