The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Thursday that defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov will join the team on a professional tryout (PTO). This opportunity comes after Knyzhov’s contract was bought out by the San Jose Sharks in June, despite having one year remaining on his deal. The 26-year-old Russian blueliner has had a challenging couple of seasons, having appeared in only 22 NHL games over the past two years. During that time, he recorded a single goal and one assist, with 16 shots on goal. Additionally, Knyzhov contributed defensively with 24 hits and 33 blocked shots.
Knyzhov’s limited playing time over the last two seasons was largely due to a series of injuries that kept him off the ice for extended periods. When he did play, he showed flashes of solid defensive play but was unable to consistently establish himself in the Sharks’ lineup. This inconsistency likely played a role in San Jose’s decision to buy out his contract, allowing them to open up a roster spot and manage their salary cap more effectively.
Now, as Knyzhov arrives at the Penguins’ training camp on a PTO, he faces the difficult task of proving himself worthy of a spot on Pittsburgh’s roster. The Penguins’ defensive lineup is relatively deep, featuring a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. For Knyzhov to make the team, he will need to outperform players like Sebastian Aho and Ryan Shea, both of whom have been competing for a spot in the Penguins’ defensive rotation. Additionally, he will face competition from Owen Pickering, a young defenseman considered one of the team’s promising prospects.
Joining a new team on a professional tryout is a gamble for any player, but for Knyzhov, it represents a crucial opportunity to reset his career. After two injury-plagued seasons and limited ice time, the PTO with the Penguins is a chance to showcase his abilities and demonstrate that he can still contribute at the NHL level. For Pittsburgh, bringing Knyzhov into camp on a tryout basis is a low-risk move. If he impresses during the preseason, the Penguins could gain a valuable depth defenseman without having to commit to a long-term contract.
Ultimately, Knyzhov’s performance in training camp and preseason games will determine his fate. If he can stay healthy and display the defensive skills that once made him a promising prospect for the Sharks, he could earn himself a spot on the Penguins’ roster. However, given the competition and his recent injury history, Knyzhov will need to be at his best to secure a place with Pittsburgh for the upcoming season.
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