Penguins Have an Interesting Decision to Make on Ryan Shea

The Pittsburgh Penguins were full of positive surprises this season. Eighteen-year-old Ben Kindel had a breakout rookie campaign; the team got strong performances from Evgeni Malkin, Anthony Mantha, Justin Brazeau, and Egor Chinakhov; and Pittsburgh made the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Coming into this season, the Penguins had major questions on defense and even though they found success, they still need to find some answers when it comes to the blue line this summer. Defenseman Ryan Shea had a strong season with his consistency and reliable play, but should Pittsburgh bring him back next season? 

Shea Found His Game This Season

This was Shea’s third season with the Penguins and by far his best. Going into this season, he had three goals and six points in two seasons combined. This season, he played in 80 games, scoring six goals and adding 29 assists for 35 points. There were moments when he struggled, but overall, he was very reliable, his play was consistent in all three zones, and he stepped up his offensive game. He was also very good on the penalty kill. 

Shea averaged 18:53 of average ice time and provided solid depth on defense all season. At times, he struggled against the opposing forecheck and he wasn’t always the best puck mover. However, his overall versatility and reliability made it a successful season for him.

Shea will be a free agent on July 1, which is rapidly approaching. There is a good chance that if the Penguins haven’t signed him by then, they aren’t going to bring him back. Would that be the right decision? Obviously, they have some major issues to work out on defense. Harrison Brunicke is a promising, young defender who will push for a roster spot next season, but he probably will not be ready for regular minutes right away. 

Shea is 29 years old and will not turn 30 until February. It generally takes defensemen a little longer to develop, and this season he established himself as a credible NHL blueliner. However, there is also the fear that he will not be able to replicate this type of season. 

What Will the Penguins Choose To Do On Defense? 

Despite his strong season, Shea will not be the most sought after defenseman on the free agent market. Even though he had the most points of any other left side free-agent blue line, he is up against the likes of Brett Kulak, Logan Stanley, and Carson Soucy. There is no doubt he has earned a raise, but it may not come from the Penguins. 

Penguins’ president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear that his goal is to bring Pittsburgh closer to becoming a serious Stanley Cup contender this offseason. Shea provided reliable depth this season in a position that is not easy to fill. However, the Penguins may not be willing to give him the money or term he will probably want in a new contract. Dubas has gotten smarter about the contracts he hands out since 2023 when he signed Ryan Graves and Tristan Jarry to long-term deals. With the exception of entry-level contracts, Dubas has handed out one- or two-year deals to everyone except Blake Lizotte since 2023. 

 Dubas’s current defensive core is on the wrong side of 30, and there is no doubt he needs to bring in some young, fresh talent for next season. The Penguins know from experience that they can not be successful without a strong defense. They know what they have in Shea, so will they take the risk and let him go in free agency to bring in someone new?