PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) For the first time since November, the Pittsburgh Penguins will see a change in their defensive lineup.
It was announced on Friday that blue liner Mike Matheson will be out week-to-week with an upper body injury.
With Matheson missing from the Penguins' third pairing, a new face will have to step in.
The Penguins have options; Juuso Riikola and Mark Friedman come to mind right away, but the best option might be a younger face.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph may not be "new," but he is peaking on being NHL ready.
The 22-year-old has been on a tear recently in the AHL picking up eight goals and 30 assists in 40 games.
Joseph has collected 12 points (5G, 7A) in the last 12 games.
In four NHL games this year, Joseph has been marked as the Penguins' top defensive prospect and has been knocking on the door of the NHL since 2020.
Management determined Joseph's best spot for 2021-22 was in the minors, but given the recent AHL production and the opening on the left side why not give him another chance?
What do the Penguins have to lose? If Joseph works out, great! We know he can cut it in the bigs.
If he isn't great, send him back and play Riikola in his spot.
The idea of Friedman is interesting but he is a right side defender, Matheson plays on the left and that's what they need to fill.
UPDATE: The Penguins have called Joseph up from the AHL.
While Joseph may be called to the NHL roster it does not guarantee a spot in the starting lineup.
The spot isn't guaranteed but it should be.
