Kyle Dubas, general manager and president of the Pittsburgh Penguins, entered free agency determined to upgrade the left side of the team’s defense. His signings of Alexander Alexeyev, Caleb Jones, and Parker Wotherspoon underscored that commitment.
Of the trio, Wotherspoon stands out as the most likely to secure a regular role, building off a career-high 55 games last season with the New York Islanders. The 2015 fourth-round pick posted his first NHL goal, added six assists, and showcased dependable defensive play.
Wotherspoon Brings Penalty Kill Strength and Needed Physical Edge to Penguins Lineup
Wotherspoon’s value extends beyond even-strength play. He has logged 155 minutes on the penalty kill over the last two seasons, including 73 minutes in 2024-25. Pittsburgh’s penalty kill performance dipped last year to 77.8%, ranking 18th in the league, after finishing 11th the year before.
With new head coach Dan Muse and a revamped staff taking over PK duties from Mike Vellucci, the Penguins hope Wotherspoon can help spark a turnaround in this area.
Parker Wotherspoon (NHL)Known for his willingness to throw hits and defend teammates, Wotherspoon brings a physical dimension that Pittsburgh fans have been craving. The Penguins have been criticized for lacking toughness in recent seasons, and his style could change that perception.
While ideally suited to a third-pairing role on a contender, team circumstances may push him into a top-four spot, potentially playing alongside Kris Letang or Erik Karlsson to balance their offensive focus.
Wotherspoon Poised to Bring Stability and Grit to Evolving Penguins’ Defense
Since Brian Dumoulin’s departure in 2023, the Penguins have struggled to find a steady left-side partner for Letang. Ryan Graves was brought in to fill that role, but has underperformed through two seasons. Wotherspoon isn’t expected to be Dumoulin’s direct replacement but could stabilize the position.
His defensive metrics, highlighted by an 86th percentile ranking in 5v5 defense last season, indicate he can offer the stability Pittsburgh has been lacking.
With Chad Ruhwedel retiring and the blue line still evolving, Wotherspoon’s arrival comes at a crucial time. His blend of defensive reliability, PK experience, and grit gives him a strong opportunity to make an immediate impact.
Training camp is just weeks away, and his Penguins debut is set for October 7 against the New York Rangers. For a team in transition, Wotherspoon represents both a short-term boost and a potential building block for the future.
