Penguins Defenseman Earning NHL Role Old-Fashioned Way

PITTSBURGH – After eight seasons as a steady hand on the blue line, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded away Chad Ruhwedel to the New York Rangers. The Penguins didn’t get a player in return for the deal, opening up a roster spot for John Ludvig to step back into the lineup.

Since the trade deadline, Ludvig has suited up for a pair of games, and he appears to be earning his role the old-school way. Against the Edmonton Oilers, Ludvig racked up 17 penalty minutes in just one play.

Warren Foegele high sticked Erik Karlsson and the Penguins were about to get a four-minute power play opportunity. However, Ludvig made a b-line for Foegele and started pummeling the forward. Ludvig landed a few heavy punches and was assessed two minutes for instigating, five for fighting, and a 10-minute misconduct.

The Penguins' four-minute chance was reduced to two, which may not have seemed like the smartest situation to drop the glove in. Head coach Mike Sullivan, however, defended Ludvig’s actions.

“I thought Luds did a terrific job sticking up for his teammate,” Sullivan said. “That’s something that he brings to our team. He’s a brave guy, he’s a great teammate.”

The Penguins have been missing someone willing to go to war like Ludvig has on a couple of occasions this year. Throughout last year, one of the fan base’s biggest complaints was that no one stuck up for the stars, and it was up to them to defend themselves.

Thanks to Ludvig’s tenacity and willingness to step into brawls and fights, he’ll be around to protect his team. Ludvig may not be the biggest guy, and he is still just a rookie, but his style is earning him a role on the Penguins.

Not just for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, but he should enter next year’s training camp with a spot in the starting lineup of defenders.